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A 

TREATISE 

ON 

THE  THEORY  AND  PRACTICE 

OF 

LANDSCAPE    GARDENING, 

ADAPTED   TO 

NORTH    AMERICA; 

WITH   A   VIEW   TO 

THE  IMPROVEMENT  OF  COUNTRY  RESIDENCES. 

COMPRISING 

HISTORICAL  NOTICES  AND  GENERAL  PRINCIPLES  OF  THE  ART, 

DIRECTIONS   FOR   LAYING   OUT   GROUNDS   AND   ARRANGING   PLANTATIONS, 

THE  DESCRIPTION  AND  CULTIVATION  OF  HARDY  TREES, 

DECORATIVE   ACCOMPANIMENTS   TO    THE   HOUSE   AND   GROUNDS, 

THE  FORMATION  OF  PIECES  OF  ARTIFICIAL  WATER,  FLOWER  GARDENS,  ETC. 

WITH  REMARKS  ON 

RURAL  ARCHITECTURE. 

Seconli  3SDition, 

ENLARGED,  REVISED,  AND  NEWLY  ILLUSTRATED. 


By    a.     J.     DOWNING, 

AUTHOR  OF  DESIGNS  FOR  COTTAGE  RESIDENCES,  ETC. 


'  Insult  not  Nature  with  absurd  expense, 
Nor  spoil  lier  simple  charms  by  vain  pretence  ; 
Weigh  well  the  subject,  he  with  caution  bold, 
Profuse  of  genius,  not  profuse  of  gold." 


NEW-YORK  &  LONDON: 

WILEY     AND     PUTNAM. 
1844. 


Entered  according  to  the  Act  of  Congress,  by 

A.  J.  Downing, 

In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  Southern  District  of  New-York, 

in  the  year  1841. 


NEW-TORK : 

"WlIiLIAM    OsBORN,    PeIKTER, 

83  William.strect. 


TO 


JOHN    aUINCY    ADAMS,    LL.D., 

EX-PKESIDENT   OP   THE   UNITED   STATES; 


THE  LOVER  OF  RURAL  PURSUITS, 


AS  WELL  A3 


THE     DISTINGUISHED     PATRIOT,     STATESMAN, 

AND    sage; 
THIS    VOLUME, 

BT  FEBMISSION, 
IS  EESPECTFULLT  AND  AFFECTIONATELY 
DEDICATED, 

BT  HIS   FKIEND, 

THE  AUTHOR. 


^ 


74S43 


PREFACE 

TO    THE    SECOND    EDITION. 

The  favourable  manner  in  which  the  first  edition  of  this 
work  has  been  received,  is  highly  gratifying  to  the  author  ; 
and  the  strong  interest  existing,  at  the  present  moment, 
on  the  subject  of  rural  improvement  gives  us  every  rea- 
son to  hope  that  during  the  next  twenty  years,  our 
advance  towards  a  national  taste  in  Landscape  Gardening 
and  Architecture,  will  be  as  rapid  as  it  has  hitherto  been  in 
the  increase  of  population  and  general  prosperity.  Those, 
who  have  reflected  how  much  the  happy  condition  of  a 
nation  depends  on  the  nature  of  its  "  country  homes,"  will 
be  able  to  appreciate  the  moral  and  social  value  of  such  a 
progress  in  taste. 

In  the  present  edition,  a  large  part  of  the  first  portion  of  the 
work  has  been  re-written, — some  modification  of  the  princi- 
ples of  the  art  have  been  introduced, — considerable  new 
matter  has  been  added, — the  whole  has  been  revised,  and 
newly  and  more  copiously  illustrated,  from  examples  now 
existing  in  this  country, — and  the  work  is  now  offered  in  a 
much  more  complete  form,  than  it  was  heretofore  possible  to 
present  it. 

A.  J.  D. 

Highland  Gardens, 
Newburgli,  N.  Y.,  Aug.  1844. 


PREFACE. 


A  TASTE  for  rural  improvements  of  every  description  is 
advancing  silently,  but  with  great  rapidity  in  this  country. 
While  yet  in  the  far  west  the  pioneer  constructs  his  rude 
hut  of  logs  for  a  dwelling,  and  sweeps  away  with  his  axe 
the  lofty  forest  trees  that  encumber  the  ground,  in  the  older 
portions  of  the  Union,  bordering  the  Atlantic,  we  are  sur- 
rounded by  all  the  luxuries  and  refinements  that  belong  to 
an  old  and  long  cultivated  country.  Within  the  last  ten 
years,  especially,  the  evidences  of  the  growing  wealth  and 
prosperity  of  our  citizens  have  become  apparent  in  the  great 
increase  of  elegant  cottage  and  villa  residences  on  the  banks 
of  our  noble  rivers,  along  our  rich  valleys,  and  wherever 
nature  seems  to  invite  us  by  her  rich  and  varied  charms. 

In  all  the  expenditure  of  means  in  these  improvements, 
amounting  in  the  aggregate  to  an  immense  sum,  professional 
talent  is  seldom  employed  in  Architecture  or  Landscape 
Gardening,  but  almost  every  man  fancies  himself  an  ama- 
teur, and  endeavours  to  plan  and  arrange  his  own  residence. 
With  but  little  practical  knowledge,  and  few  correct  princi- 
ples for  his  guidance,  it  is  not  surprising  that  we  witness 
much  incongruity  and  great  waste  of  time  and  money. 
Even  those  who  are  familiar  with  foreign  works  on  the  sub- 
ject in  question  labour  under  many  obstacles  in  practice, 
which  grow  out  of  the  difference  in  our  soil  and  climate,  or 
our  social  and  political  position. 

These  views  have  so  often  presented  themselves  to  me  of 


Vlll  PREFACE. 

late,  and  have  been  so  frequently  urged  by  persons  desiring 
advice,  that  I  have  ventured  to  prepare  the  present  volume, 
in  the  hope  of  supplying,  in  some  degree,  the  desideratum  so 
much  felt  at  present.  While  we  have  treatises,  in  abun- 
dance, on  the  various  departments  of  the  arts  and  sciences, 
there  has  not  appeared  even  a  single  essay  on  the  elegant  art 
of  Landscape  Gardening.  Hundreds  of  individuals  who  wish 
to  ornament  their  grounds  and  embellish  their  places,  are  at 
a  loss  how  to  proceed,  from  the  want  of  some  leading  prin- 
ciples, with  the  knowledge  of  which  they  would  find  it  com- 
paratively easy  to  produce  delightful  and  satisfactory  results. 

In  the  following  pages  I  have  attempted  to  trace  out  such 
principles,  and  to  suggest  practicable  methods  of  embellishing 
our  Rural  Residences,  on  a  scale  commensurate  to  the  views 
and  means  of  our  proprietors.  While  I  have  availed  myself 
of  the  works  of  European  authors,  and  especially  those  of 
Britain,  where  Landscape  Gardening  was  first  raised  to  the 
rank  of  a  fine  art,  I  have  also  endeavoured  to  adapt  my  sug- 
gestions especially  to  this  country  and  to  the  peculiar  wants 
of  its  inhabitants. 

As  a  people  descended  from  the  English  stock,  we  inherit 
much  of  the  ardent  love  of  rural  life  and  its  pursuits  which 
belongs  to  that  nation ;  but  our  peculiar  position,  in  a  new 
world  that  required  a  population  full  of  enterprise  and  ener- 
gy to  subdue  and  improve  its  vast  territory,  has,  until  lately, 
left  but  little  time  to  cultivate  a  taste  for  Rural  Embellish- 
ment. But  in  the  older  states,  as  wealth  has  accumulated, 
the  country  become  populous,  and  society  more  fixed  in  its 
character,  a  return  to  those  simple  and  fascinating  enjoy- 
ments to  be  found  in  country  life  and  rural  pursuits,  is 
witnessed  on  every  side.  And  to  this  innate  feeling,  out 
of  which  grows  a  strong  attachment  to  natal  soil,  we  must 
look  for  a  counterpoise  to  the  great  tendency  towards  con- 
stant change,  and  the  restless  spirit  of  emigration,  which 
form  part  of  our  national  character ;  and  which,  though  to  a 
certain  extent  highly  necessary  to  our  national  prosperity, 
are,  on  the  other  hand,  opposed  to  social  and  domestic  hap- 


PREFACE.  IX 

piness.  "  In  the  midst  of  the  continual  movement  which 
agitates  a  democratic  community,"  says  the  most  philosophi- 
cal writer  who  has  yet  discussed  our  institutions,  "  the  tie 
which  unites  one  generation  to  another,  is  relaxed  or  broken ; 
every  man  readily  loses  the  trace  of  the  ideas  of  his  fore- 
fathers, or  takes  no  care  about  them." 

The  love  of  country  is  inseparably  connected  with  the 
love  of  home.  Whatever,  therefore,  leads  man  to  assemble 
the  comforts  and  elegancies  of  life  around  his  habitation, 
tends  to  increase  local  attachments,  and  render  domestic  life 
more  delightful  ;  thus  not  only  augmenting  his  own  enjoy- 
ment, but  strengthening  his  patriotism,  and  making  him  a 
better  citizen.  And  there  is  no  employment  or  recreation 
which  affords  the  mind  greater  or  more  permanent  satisfac- 
tion, than  that  of  cultivating  the  earth  and  adorning  our  own 
property.  "  God  Almighty  first  planted  a  garden  ;  and,  in- 
deed, it  is  the  parent  of  human  pleasures,"  says  Lord  Bacon. 
And  as  the  first  man  was  shut  out  from  the  g-nrden,  in  the 
cultivation  of  which  no  alloy  was  mixed  with  his  happiness, 
the  desire  to  return  to  it  seems  to  be  implanted  by  nature, 
more  or  less  strongly,  in  every  heart. 

In  Landscape  Gardening  the  country  gentleman  of  leisure 
finds  a  resource  of  the  most  agreeable  nature.  While  there 
is  no  more  rational  pleasure  than  that  derived  from  its  prac- 
tice by  him,  who 

"  Plucks  life's  roses  in  his  quiet  fields," 

the  enjoyment  drawn  from  it,  (unlike  many  other  amuse- 
ments,) is  unembittered  by  the  after  recollection  of  pain  or 
injury  inflicted  on  others,  or  the  loss  of  moral  rectitude.  In 
rendering  his  home  more  beautiful,  he  not  only  contributes 
to  the  happiness  of  his  own  family,  but  improves  the  taste, 
and  adds  loveliness  to  the  country  at  large.  There  is, 
perhaps,  something  exclusive  in  the  taste  for  some  of  the 
fine  arts.  A  collection  of  pictures,  for  example,  is  compara- 
tively shut  up  from  the  world,  in  the  private  gallery.  But 
the  sylvan  and  floral  collections, — the  groves  and  gardens. 


PREPACK. 


which  surround  the  country  residence  of  the  man  of  taste, — 
are  confined  by  no  barriers  narrower  than  the  blue  heaven 
above  and  around  them.  The  taste  and  the  treasures,  grad- 
ually, but  certainly,  creep  beyond  the  nominal  boundaries  of 
the  estate,  and  re-appear  in  the  pot  of  flowers  in  the  window, 
or  the  luxuriant,  blossoming  vines  which  clamber  over  the 
porch  of  the  humblest  cottage  by  the  way  side. 

In  the  present  volume  I  have  sought,  by  rendering  fami- 
liar to  the  reader  most  of  the  beautiful  sylvan  materials  of  the 
art,  and  by  describing  their  peculiar  effects  in  Landscape 
Gardening,  to  encourage  a  taste  among  general  readers. 
And  I  have  also  endeavoured  to  place  before  the  amateur 
such  directions  and  guiding  principles  as,  it  is  hoped,  will 
assist  him  materially  in  laying  out  his  grounds  and  arrang- 
ing the  general  scenery  of  his  residence. 

The  lively  interest  of  late  manifested  in  Rural  Architec- 
ture, and  its  close  connection  with  Landscape  Gardening, 
have  induced  me  to  devote  a  portion  of  this  work  to  the  con- 
sideration of  buildings  in  rural  scenery. 

I  take  pleasure  in  acknowledging  my  obligations  and  re- 
turning thanks  to  my  valued  correspondent,  J.  C.  Loudon, 
Esq.,  F.  L.  S.,  etc.  of  London,  the  most  distinguished  garden- 
ing author  of  the  age,  for  the  illustrations  and  description  of 
the  English  Suburban  Cottage  in  the  Appendix  ;  to  the  seve- 
ral gentlemen  in  this  country  who  have  kindly  furnished 
me  with  plans  or  drawings  of  their  residences  ;  and  to  A.  J. 
Davis,  Esq.  of  New- York,  and  J.  Notman,  Esq.  of  Philadel- 
phia, architects,  for  architectural  drawings  and  descriptions. 


CONTENTS. 


SECTION  I. 


HISTORICAL   SKETCHES. 


Objects  of  the  art,  page  10.  The  ancient  and  modern  styles,  p.  13. 
Their  peculiarities,  p.  14.  Origin  of  the  modern  and  natural  style,  p.  20. 
Influence  of  the  English  poets  and  writers,  p.  22.  Examples  of  the  art 
abroad,  p.  27.  Landscape  Gardening  in  North  America,  and  examples 
now  existing,  p.  29. 


SECTION  II. 

BEAUTIES   OF   LANDSCAPE   GARDENING. 

Capacities  of  the  art,  p.  47.  The  beauties  of  the  ancient  style,  p.  48. 
General  beauty,  and  picturesque  beauty :  their  distinctive  characteristics  : 
with  illustrations  drawn  from  nature  and  painting,  p.  49.  Nature  and 
principles  of  Landscape  Gardening  as  an  imitative  art,  p.  52.  The 
Graceful  School,  p.  55.  The  Picturesque  School,  p.  56.  Simple  beauty 
of  the  art,  p,  60.     The  principles  of  Unity,  Harmony,  and  Variety,  p.  61. 


SECTION  in. 

WOOD   AND   PLANTATIONS. 

The  beauty  of  trees  in  rural  embellishments,  p.  66.  Pleasure  result- 
ing from  their  cultivation,  p.  69.  Plantations  in  the  ancient  style  ;  their 
formality,  p.  70.  In  the  modern  style,  p.  75.  Grouping  trees,  p.  76. 
Arrangement  and  grouping  in  the  Graceful  school,  p.  81.     In  the  Pic- 


XU  CONTENTS. 


turesque  school,  p.  83.  Illustrations  in  planting  villa,  ferme  ornee,  and 
cottage  grounds,  p.  93.  General  classification  of  trees  as  to  forms,  with 
leading  characteristics  of  each  class,  p.  104. 


SECTION  IV. 

DECIDUOUS   OKNAMENTAL    TREES. 

The  history  and  description  of  all  the  finest  hardy  deciduous  trees. 
Remarks  on  their  effects  in  Landscape  Gardening,  individually,  and  in 
composition  :  their  cultivation,  etc.  The  oak,  p.  118.  The  elm,  p.  131, 
The  plane  or  buttonwood,  p.  136.  The  ash,  p.  140.  The  lime  or  linden, 
p.  144.  The  beech,  p.  148.  The  poplar,  p.  152.  The  horse  chestnut, 
p.  ]58.  The  birch,  p.  161.  The  alder,  p.  166.  The  maple,  p.  168. 
The  locust,  p.  173.  The  three-thorned  acacia,  p.  177.  The  Judas  tree, 
p.  179.  The  chestnut,  p.  180.  The  Osage  orange,  p.  185.  The  mul- 
berry, p.  188.  The  paper-mulberry,  p.  190.  The  svi^eet  gum,  p.  192, 
The  walnut,  p.  194.  The  hickory,  p.  198.  The  mountain  ash,  p.  202. 
The  ailantus,  p,  206.  The  Kentucky  coffee,  p.  208.  The  willow,  p. 
211.  The  sassafras,  p.  217.  The  catalpa,  p.  218.  The  persimmon,  p, 
220.  The  peperidge,  p.  222.  The  thorn,  p,  224,  The  magnolia,  p,  226. 
The  tulip-tree,  p.  231,  The  dogwood,  p.  234.  The  ginko,  p.  237.  The 
American  cypress,  p.  239.  The  larch,  p.  244.  The  Virgilia,  p,  251, 
The  Paulownia,  p.  253, 

SECTION  V. 

EVERGREEN   ORNAMENTAL   TREES, 

The  history  and  description  of  all  the  finest  hardy  evergreen  trees. 
Remarks  on  their  effects  in  Landscape  Gardening,  individually  and  in 
composiiion.  Their  cultivation,  etc.  The  pines,  p,  255,  The  firs,  p, 
264.  The  cedar  of  Lebanon,  and  Deodar  cedar,  p.  270.  The  red 
cedar,  p.  274.  The  arbor  vitae,  p.  276.  The  holly,  p.  279.  The  yew, 
p.  281. 

SECTION  VL 

VINES    AND   CLIMBING   PLANTS. 

Value  of  this  kind  of  vegetation  ;— fine  natural  effects,  p.  286.  The 
European  ivy,  p.  287.    The  Virginia  creeper,  p,  290,    The  wild  grape- 


CONTENTS  Xlll 

vine,  p.  291.  The  bittersweet, — the  trumpet  creeper,  p.  292.  The  pipe 
vine,  p.  292.  The  clematis, — the  wistaria,  p.  293.||iThe  honeysuckles 
and  woodbines,  p.  294.  The  climbing  roses,  p.  296.  Tne  jasmine  and 
periploca,  p.  297.  Remarks  on  the  proper  mode  of  introducing  vines,  p. 
298.  Beautiful  effects  of  climbing  plants  in  connection  with  buildings, 
p.  299. 

SECTION  VII. 

TREATMENT   OF  GROUND. — FORMATION   OF   WALKS. 

Nature  of  operations  on  ground,  p.  300.  Treatment[;of  flowing  and  of 
irregular  surfaces  to  heighten  their  expression,  p.  301, — of  flats  or  level 
surfaces,  p.  306.  Rocks,  as  materials  in  landscape,  p.  307.  Laying  out 
roads  and  walks  :  the  approach,  p.  309.  Rules  by  Repton,  p.  312.  The 
drive  and  minor  walks,  p.  314.  The  introduction  of  fences,  p.  315. 
Verdant  hedges,  p.  316. 

SECTION  VIII. 

TREATMENT   OF   WATER. 

Beautiful  effects  of  this  element  in  nature,  p.  319.  In  what  cases  it  is 
desirable  to  attempt  the  formation  of  artificial  pieces  of  water,  p.  820.  Re- 
gular forms  unpleasing,  p.  321.  Directions  for  the  formation  of  ponds  or 
lakes  in  the  irregular  manner,  p.  323.  Study  of  natural  lakes,  324.  Is- 
lands, p.  330.  Planting  the  margin,  p.  332.  Treatment  of  natural  brooks 
and  rivulets,  p.  334.  Cascades  and  water-falls,  33.5.  Legitimate  sphere 
of  the  art  in  this  department,  p.  338. 

SECTION   IX. 

LANDSCAPE  OR  RURAL  ARCHITECTURE. 

Difference  between  a  city  and  country  house,  p.  340.  The  character- 
istic features  of  a  country  house,  p.  341.  Examination  of  the  leading 
principles  in  Rural  Architecture,  p.  343.  The  harmonious  union  of  build- 
ings and  scenery,  p.  348.  The  different  styles,  p.  351.  The  Grecian 
style,  its  merits  and  associations,  p.  352 ; — its  defects  for  domestic  pur- 
poses, p.  353.  The  Roman  style.  The  Italian  style,  p.  3.56  ; — its  pecu- 
liar features,  and  examples  in  this  country,  p.  358.  Associations  of  the 
Italian  style,  360.  Swiss  style,  p.  362.  The  pointed  or  Gothic  style, — 
leading  features,  p.  364.    Castellated  buildings,  p.  367.    The  Tudor 


XIV  CONTENTS 


mansion,  p.  368.  Example  here,  p.  370.  The  Elizabethan  style,  p.  371. 
The  old  English  cottage,— its  features,  p.  372.  Associations  of  the 
pointed  style,  p.  375.  Examples  in  this  country,  p.  379.  Individual 
tastes,  p.  381.     Entrance  lodges,  p.  382. 


SECTION  X. 

EMBELLISHMENTS  ;    ARCHITECTURAL,  RUSTIC,  AND    FLORAL. 

Value  of  a  proper  connection  between  the  house  and  grounds,  p.  388. 
Beauty  of  the  architectural  terrace,  and  its  application  to  villas  and  cot- 
tages, p.  389.  Use  of  vases  of  different  descriptions,  p.  392.  Sundials,  p. 
396.  Architectural  flower-garden,  p.  397.  Irregular  flower-garden,  p. 
398.  French  flower-garden,  p.  399.  English  flower-garden,  p.  400. 
Mino-led  flower-garden,  p.  406.  General  remarks  on  this  subject,  p.  407. 
Selection  of  showy  plants,  flowering  in  succession,  p.  407.  Arrangement 
of  the  shrubbery,  and  selection  of  choice  shrubs,  p.  411.  The  conserva- 
tory and  green-house,  p.  418.  Open  and  covered  seats,  p.  423.  Pavi- 
lions, p.  425.  Rustic  seats,  p.  425.  Prospect  towers,  p.  428.  Bridges, 
p.  430.  Rockwork,  p.  431.  Fountains  of  various  descriptions,  p.  435. 
judicious  introduction  of  decorations,  p.  441. 


APPENDIX. 

I.  Notes  on  transplanting  trees,  p.  442.  Reasons  for  frequent  failures 
in  removing  large  trees,  p.  442.  Directions  for  performing  this  operation, 
p.  445.  Selection  of  subjects,  p.  446.  Preparing  trees  for  removal,  p. 
447.    Transplanting  evergreens,  p.  450. 

II.  Description  of  an  English  suburban  residence,  Cheshunt  Cottage, 
p.  451.  With  views  and  plans  showing  the  arrangement  of  the  house 
and  grounds,  p.  452.    And  mode  of  managing  the  whole  premises,  p.  457. 

III.  Note  on  the  treatment  of  Lawns,  p.  490. 

IV.  Note  on  professional  quackery,  p.  493. 

V.  Note  on  roads  and  walks,  p.  495. 


ESSAY  ON   LANDSCAPE   GARDENING. 


SECTION  I. 


HISTORICAL    SKETCHES. 


Objects  of  the  Art.  The  ancient  and  modern  styles.  Their  peculiarities.  Sketch  of  the 
ancient  style,  and  the  rise  and  progress  of  the  modern  style.  Influence  of  the  English  poets 
and  writers.  Examples  of  the  art  abroad.  Landscape  Gardening  in  North  America,  and 
examples  now  existing. 

"  L'un  a  nos  yeux  presento 
D'un  dessein  regulierrordonnance  imposante, 
Prete  aux  champs  des  beautes  qu'ils  ne  connaissaient  pas, 
D'une  pompe  etrangere  embellit  leur  appas, 
Donne  aux  arbres  deslois,  aux  ondes  des  entraves, 
Et,  despote  orgueilleux,  brille  entoure  d'esclaves  ; 
Son  air  est  moins  riant  et  plus  majestueux, 
Uautre,  de  la  nature  amant  respectueux, 
L'orne  sans  la  farder,  traite  avec  indulgence 
Ses  caprices  charraants,  sa  noble  negligence, 
Sa  marche  irreguliere,  et  fait  naitre  avec  art 
Des  beautes  du  desordre,  et  meme  du  hasard." 

Delille. 


U  R  first,  most 
endearing,  and 

most  sacred  •  associations,"  says  the  amiable  Mrs.  Hofland. 
"  are  connected  with  gardens ;  our  most  simple  and  most 

2 


Library 
N.   C.   State    College 


10  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

refined  perceptions  of  beanty  are  combined  with  them." 
And  we  may  add  to  this,  that  Landscape  Gardening,  which 
is  an  artistical  combination  of  the  beautiful  in  nature  and 
art—an  union  of  natural  expression  and  harmonious  culti- 
vation— is  capable  of  affording  us  the  highest  and  most  in- 
tellectual enjoyment  to  be  found  in  any  cares  or  pleasures 
belonging  to  the  soil. 

The  development  of  the  Beautiful  is  the  end  and  aim  of 
Landscape  Gardening,  as  it  is  of  all  other  fine  arts.  The 
ancients  sought  to  attain  this  by  a  studied  and  elegant 
regularity  of  design  in  their  gardens  ;  the  moderns,  by  the 
creation  or  improvement  of  grounds  which,  though  of  limit- 
ed extent,  exhibit  a  highly  graceful  or  picturesque  epitome 
of  natural  beauty.  Landscape  Gardening  differs  from  gar- 
dening in  its  common  sense,  in  embracing  the  whole  scene 
immediately  about  a  country  house,  which  it  softens  and 
refines,  or  renders  more  spirited  and  striking  by  the  aid  of 
art.  In  it  we  seek  to  embody  our  ideal  of  a  rural  home  ; 
not  through  plots  of  fruit  trees,  and  beds  of  choice  flowers, 
though  these  have  their  place,  but  by  collecting  and  combi- 
ning beautiful  forms  in  trees,  surfaces  of  ground,  buildings, 
and  walks,  in  the  landscape  surrounding  us.  It  is,  in  short, 
the  Beautiful,  embodied  in  a  home  scene.  And  we  attain  it 
by  the  removal  or  concealment  of  every  thing  uncouth  and 
discordant,  and  by  the  introduction  and  preservation  of 
forms  pleasing  in  their  expression,  their  outlines,  and  their 
fitness  for  the  abode  of  man.  In  the  orchard,  we  hope  to 
gratify  the  palate,  in  the  flower  garden,  the  eye  and  the 
smell,  but  in  the  landscape  garden  we  appeal  to  that  sense 
of  the  Beautiful  and  the  Perfect,,  which  is  one  of  the  high- 
est attributes  of  om-  nature. 

This  embellishment  of  nature,  which  we  call  Landscape 


HISTORICAL    NOTICES.  11 

Gardening,  springs  naturally  from  a  love  of  country  life, 
an  attachment  to  a  certain  spot,  and  a  desire  to  render  that 
place  attractive — a  feeling  which  seems  more  or  less 
strongly  fixed  in  the  minds  of  all  men.  But  we  should 
convey  a  false  impression,  were  we  to  state  that  it  may  be 
applied  with  equal  success  to  residences  of  every  class  and 
size,  in  the  country.  Lawn  and  trees,  being  its  two  essen- 
tial elements,  some  of  the  beauties  of  Landscape  Gardening 
may,  indeed,  be  shown  wherever  a  rood  of  grass  surface,  and 
half  a  dozen  trees  are  within  our  reach  ;  we  may,  even  with 
such  scanty  space,  have  tasteful  grouping,  varied  surface, 
and  agreeably  curved  walks ;  but  our  art,  to  appear  to  ad- 
vantage, requires  some  extent  of  surface — its  lines  should 
lose  themselves  indefinitely,  and  unite  agreeably  and  gra- 
dually with  those  of  the  surrounding  country. 

In  the  case  of  large  landed  estates,  its  capabilities  may 
be  displayed  to  their  full  extent,  as  from  fifty  to  five  hun- 
dred acres  may  be  devoted  to  a  park  or  pleasure  grounds. 
Most  of  its  beauty,  and  all  its  charms,  may,  however,  be 
enjoyed  in  ten  or  twenty  acres,  fortunately  situated,  and 
well  treated ;  and  Landscape  Gardening,  in  America,  com- 
bined and  working  in  harmony  as  it  is  with  our  fine 
scenery,  is  already  beginning  to  give  us  results  scarcely  less 
beautiful  than  those  produced  by  its  finest  efibrts  abroad. 
The  lovely  villa  residences  of  our  noble  river  and  lake 
margins,  when  well  treated — even  in  a  few  acres  of  tasteful 
fore-ground, — seem  so  entirely  to  appropriate  the  whole 
adjacent  landscape,  and  to  mingle  so  sweetly  in  their  out- 
hnes  with  the  woods,  the  valleys,  and  shores  around  them, 
that  the  effects  are  often  truly  enchanting. 

But  if  Landscape  Gardening,  in  its  proper  sense,  cannot 
be  applied  to  the  embellishment   of  the  smallest  cottage 


12  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

residences  in  the  country,  its  principles  may  be  studied 
with  advantage,  even  by  him  who  has  only  three  trees  to 
plant  for  ornament ;  and  we  hope  no  one  will  think  his 
grounds  too  small,  to  feel  willing  to  add  something  to  the  gene- 
ral amount  of  beauty  in  the  country.  If  the  possessor  of  the 
cottage  acre,  would  embellish  in  accordance  with  propriety, 
he  must  not,  as  we  have  sometimes  seen,  render  the  whole 
ridiculous  by  aiming  at  ambitious  and  costly  embellish- 
ments ;  but  he  will  rather  seek  to  delight  us  by  the  good 
taste  evinced  in  the  tasteful  simplicity  of  the  whole  arrange- 
ment. And  if  the  proprietors  of  our  country  villas,  in  their 
improvements,  are  more  likely  to  run  into  any  one  error  than 
another,  we  fear  it  will  be  that  of  too  great  a  desire  for  dis- 
play— too  many  vases,  temples,  and  seats — and  too  little 
purity  and  simplicity  of  general  effect. 

The  enquiring  reader  will  perhaps  be  glad  to  have  a 
glance  at  the  history  and  progress  of  the  art  of  tasteful  gar- 
dening ;  a  recurrence  to  which,  as  well  as  to  the  history  of 
the  fine  arts,  will  afford  abundant  proof  that,  in  the  first 
stage  or  infancy  of  all  these  arts,  while  the  perception  of  their 
ultimate  capabilities  is  yet  crude  and  imperfect,  mankind 
has  in  every  instance  been  completely  satisfied  with  the 
mere  exhibition  of  design  or  art.  Thus  in  Sculpture,  the  first 
statues  were  only  attempts  to  imitate  rudely  the /orm  of  a 
human  figure,  or  in  painting,  to  represent  that  of  a  tree  : 
the  skill  of  the  artist,  in  effecting  an  imitation  successfully, 
being  sufficient  to  excite  the  astonishment  and  admiration  of 
those  who  had  not  yet  made  such  advances  as  to  enable 
them  to  appreciate  the  superior  beauty  of  expression. 

Landscape  Gardening  is,  indeed,  only  a  modern  word, 
first  coined,  we  believe,  by  Shenstone,  since  the  art  has 
been  based  upon  natural  beauty ;    but  as  an  extensively 


HISTORICAL   NOTICES.  13 

embellished  scene,  filled  with  rare  trees,  fountains  and 
statues,  may,  however  artificial,  be  termed  a  landscape  gar- 
den, the  classical  gardens  are  fairly  included  in  a  retrospec- 
tive view. 

All  late  authors  agree  in  these  two  distinct  and  widely 
diiFering  modes  of  the  art ;  1st,  the  Ancient,  Formal  or 
Geometric  Style  ;  2d,  the  Modern,  Natural  or  Irregular  Style. 

The  Ancient  Style.  A  predominance  of  regular  forms 
and  right  lines  is  the  charateristic  feature  of  the  ancient 
style  of  gardening.  The  value  of  art,  of  power,  and  of 
wealth,  were  at  once  easily  and  strongly  shown  by  an  artifi- 
cial arrangement  of  all  the  materials  ;  an  arrangement  the 
more  striking,  as  it  differed  most  widely  from  nature.  And 
in  an  age  when  costly  and  stately  architecture  was  most 
abundant,  as  in  the  times  of  the  Roman  empire,  it  is  natural 
to  suppose,  that  the  symmetry  and  studied  elegance  of  the 
palace,  or  the  villa,  would  be  transferred  and  continued  in 
the  surrounding  gardens. 

Nothing  fills  so  grand  a  place  in  the  history  of  the  gar- 
dening of  antiquity,  as  the  great  hanging  gardens  of  Baby- 
lon. A  series  of  terraces  supported  by  stone  pillars,  rising 
one  above  the  other  three  hundred  feet  in  height,  and 
planted  with  rows  of  all  manner  of  stately  trees,  shrubs  and 
flowers,  interspersed  with  seats,  and  watered  and  supplied 
with  fountains  from  the  Euphrates  ;  all  this  was  indeed  a 
princely  effort  of  the  great  king  to  recall  to  his  Medean 
queen  the  beauties  of  her  native  country.  The  "  Paradises" 
of  the  Persians,  seem  not  only  to  have  had  straight  walks 
bordered  with  blossoming  trees,  and  overhung  with  exquisite 
lines  of  roses  and  other  odoriferous  shrubs,  but  to  have  been 
interspersed  with  occasional  thickets,  and  varied  with  foun- 
tains, prospect  towers,  and  aviaries  for  singing  birds. 


14  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

The  Athenians  borrowed  their  taste  in  gardens  from 
Persia.  The  hme  tree  and  the  box  lined  their  walks,  and 
bore  patiently  the  shears  of  symmetry ;  and  a  passion 
for  fragrant  flowers  seems  to  have  been  greatly  indulged 
by  them.  Their  most  celebrated  philosophers  made  the 
sylvan,  or  landscape  gardens  of  their  time,  their  favourite 
schools.  And  the  gardens  of  Epicurus  and  Plato  appear 
to  have  been  symmetrical  groves  of  the  olive,  plane,  and 
elm,  enriched  by  elegant  statues,  moniunents  and  temples, 
the  beauty  of  which,  for  their  peculiar  purpose,  has  never 
been  surpassed  by  any  example  of  more  modern  times. 
Among  the  Romans,  ornamental  gardening  seems  to  have 
been  not  a  little  studied.  The  villas  of  the  Emperors  Nero 
and  Adrian  were  enriched  with  every  thing  magnificent 
and  pleasing  in  their  gromids  ;  and  the  classically  famous 
villas  of  Cicero  at  Arpium,  and  of  Pliny  at  Thuseum,  with 
Caesar's 

"  Private  arbors,  and  new  planted  orchards. 
On  tliis  side  Tiber," 

are  among  the  most  celebrated  specimens  of  the  taste 
among  the  ancients.  Pliny's  garden,  of  which  a  pretty 
minute  account  remains, — filled  with  cypresses  and  bay 
trees,  planted  to  form  a  coursing  place  or  hippodrome, 
adorned  with  vis-a-vis  figures  of  animals  cut  in  box  trees,  and 
decorated  with  fountains  and  marble  alcoves,  shaded  by 
vines — seems,  indeed,  to  have  been  the  true  classical  type  of 
all  the  later  efforts  of  modern  continental  nations  in  their 
geometric  gardens. 

Of  the  latter,  the  Italians  have  been  most  successful  in 
their  ornamental  gromids.  Their  beautiful  marbles  seem 
to  have  been  supplied  by  Art  in  too  great  profusion  to  be 


HISTORICAL    NOTICES.  15 

confined  even  to  the  colonnades  of  their  villas,  and  broad 
enriched  terraces,  vases,  and  statues,  every  where  enliven, 
and  contrast  with,  the  verdure  of  the  foliage  ;  trees  and  plants 
being  often  less  abundant,  than  the  sculptural  ornaments 
which  they  serve  to  set  off  to  advantage.  An  island — Isola 
Bella — in  one  of  their  little  lakes,  has  often  been  quoted 
as  the  most  highly  wrought  type  of  the  Italian  taste  ;  "a 
barren  rock,"  says  a  spirited  writer,  "  rising  in  the  midst  of 
a  lake,  and  producing  but  a  few  poor  lichens,  which  has 
been  converted  into  a  pyramid  of  terraces  supported  on 
arches,  and  ornamented  with  bays  and  orange  trees  of 
amazing  size  and  beauty."  The  Villa  Borghese,  at  Rome, 
is  one  of  the  most  celebrated  later  examples,  with  its 
pleasure  grounds  three  miles  in  circumference,  filled  with 
symmetrical  walks  and  abounding  with  an  endless  pro- 
fusion of  sculpture. 

The  old  French  gardens  differ  little  from  those  of  Italy, 
if  we  except  that,  with  the  same  formality,  they  have  more 
of  theatrical  display— frequently  substituting  gilt  trellises 
and  wooden  statues  for  the  exquisite  marble  balustrades 
and  sculptured  ornaments  of  the  Italians.  But  we  must 
not  forget  the  crowning  glory  of  the  Geometric  style,  the 
gardens  of  Louis  XIV.  at  Versailles.  A  prince  whose  grand 
idea  of  a  royal  garden  was  not  compassed  under  two  hun- 
dred acres  devoted  to  that  purpose,  and  who,  when  shown 
the  bills  of  cost  in  their  formation,  amounting  to  two  hun- 
dred millions  of  francs,  quietly  threw  them  into  the  fire, 
could  scarcely  fail,  whatever  the  style  of  art  adopted,  in 
producing  a  scene  of  great  splendor.  He  was  fortunate,  too, 
in  his  gardener,  Le  Notre,  whose  ideas,  scarcely  less  superb 
than  those  of  his  master,  kept  pace  so  closely  with  his 
fancies,  that  he  received  the  honor  of  knighthood,  and  was 


16  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

made  general  director  of  all  the  buildings  and  gardens  of 
the  time. 

"  The    gardens  of  Versailles,"    says   a  tasteful  English 
reviewer,    "  may  indeed  be  taken  as  the  great  exemplar  of 
this    style  ;   and   magnificent  indeed  they  are,  if  expense 
and  extent  and  variety  suffice  to  make  up  magnificence. 
To    draw   petty   figures   in  dwarf-box  and  elaborate  pat- 
terns in  parti-colored  sand,  might  well  be  dispensed  with 
where  the  formal  style  was  carried  out  on  so  grand  a  scale 
as  this,  but  otherwise  the  designs  of  Le  Notre  differ  little 
from  that  of  his  predecessors  in  the  geometric  style,  save  in 
their  monstrous  extent.     The  great  wonder  of  Versailles 
was  the  well  known  labyrinth,  not  such  a  maze  as  is  really 
the  source  of  so  much  idle  amusement  at  Hampton  Court, 
but  a  mere  ravel  of  interminable  walks,  closely  fenced  in 
with  high  hedges,  in  which  thirty-nine  of  ^sop's  fables 
were  represented  by  painted  copper  figiues  of  birds  and 
beasts,  each  group  connected  with  a  separate  fountain,  and 
all  spouting  water  out  of  their  mouths  !     Every  tree  was 
planted  with  geometrical  exactness,  and  parterre  answered 
to  parterre  across  half  a  mile  of  gravel.     "  Such  symmetry," 
says  Lord  Byron,  "  is  not  for  solitude  ;"  and  certainly,  the 
gardens  of  Versailles  were  not  planted  with  any  such  in- 
tent.    The  Parisians  do  not  throng  there  for  the  contempla- 
tion to  be  found  in  the  "  trim  gardens"  of  Milton.     There 
is  indeed  a  melancholy,  but  not  a  pleasing  one,  in  wander- 
ing alone,  through,  those  many  acres  of  formal  hornbeam, 
when  we  feel  that  it  requires  the  "  galliard  and  clinquant" 
air  of  a  scene  of  Watteau  ;  its  crowds  and  love-making — its 
hoops  and  minuets — a  ringing  laugh  and  merry  tambourine 
— to   make   us   recognise   the   real    genius    of    the    place. 
Taking  Versailles   on   the   gigantic   type   of  the    French 


HISTORICAL    NOTICES.  17 

school,  it  need  scarcely  be  said  that  it  embraces  broad 
gravelled  terraces,  long  alleys  of  yew  and  hornbeam,  vast 
orangeries,  groves  planted  in  the  quincunx  style,  and 
water-works  embellished  with,  and  conducted  through 
every  variety  of  sculptured  ornament.  It  takes  the  middle 
line  between  the  other  two  geometric  schools — admitting 
more  sculpture  and  other  works  of  art  than  the  Italian,  but 
not  overpowered  with  the  same  number  of  "  huge  masses 
of  littleness"  as  the  Dutch.  There  is  more  of  promenade, 
'  less  of  parterre  ;  more  gravel  than  turf ;  more  of  the  de- 
ciduous than  the  evergreen  tree-  The  practical  water-wit 
of  drenching  the  spectators  was  in  high  vogue  in  the 
ancient  French  gardens  ;  and  Evelyn,  in  his  accoimt  of 
the  Duke  of  Richelieu's  villa,  describes  with  some  relish 
how  '  on  going,  two  extravagant  musketeers  shot  at  us 
with  a  stream  of  water  from  their  musket  barrels.'  Contri- 
vances for  dousing  the  visitors — '  especially  the  ladies' — 
which  once  filled  so  large  a  space  in  the  catalogue  of  every 
show  place,  seem  to  militate  a  little  against  the  national 
character  for  gallantry  ;  but  the  very  fact  that  every  thing 
was  done  to  surprise  the  spectator  and  stranger,  evinces 
how  different  was  their  idea  of  a  garden  from  the  home  and 
familiar  pleasures  which  an  Englishman  looks  to  in  his." 

It  is  scarcely  necessary  for  us  to  say,  that  this  new  splen- 
dor of  the  French  in  their  gardens  was  more  or  less  copied, 
at  the  time,  all  over  Europe.  "  Ainsi  font  les  Frangais — 
voild  ce  qiiefai  vuen  France,^^  was  the  law  of  fashion  in  the 
gardening  taste  from  which  there  was  no  higher  court  of 
appeal.  But,  in  copying,  every  nation  seems  to  have  min- 
gled with  the  "  grand  style"  some  elementary  notions  of 
its  own,  expressive  of  national  character  or  locality. 
The  most  marked  of  these  imitators  were  the  Dutch,  whose 

3 


18  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

Style  of  ornamental  gardening  seems  sufficiently  unique  to 
be  worthy  of  being  considered  a  separate  school. 

And  how  shall  we  characterize  the  Dutch  school,  which 
even  to  this  day^  in  the  Low  Countries,  has  scarcely  given 
way  to  the  continental  admiration  for  the  ^^jardin  Anglais  ;" 
this  double  distilled  compound  of  laboured  symmetry,  regu- 
larity, and  stiifness  which  seems  to  convey  to  the  quiet  own- 
ers so  much  pleasure,  and  the  tasteful  traveller  and  critic  so 
much  despair  !  A  stagnant  and  muddy  canal,  with  a  bridge 
thrown  over  it,  and  often  connected  with  a  circular  fish- 
pond ;  a  grass  slope  and  a  mound  of  green  turf ;  on  which 
is  a  pleasure  or  banqueting  house  with  gilt  ornaments  ;  num- 
berless clipped  trees,  and  every  variety  of  trellis  work  lively 
with  green  paint ;  in  the  foreground  beds  of  gay  bulbs  and 
florist's  flowers,  interspersed  with  huge  orange  trees  in  tubs, 
and  in  the  distance  smooth  green  meadows — such  are  the 
unvarying  features  of  the  Hollander's  garden  or  grounds.* 
The  true  Dutchman  looks  upon  his  garden  as  a  quiet  jilace 
to  smoke  and  be  "  content"  in  ;  if  he  lazily  saunters  through, 
it  is  rather  to  enjoy  the  gay  pencillings  of  some  new  bed  of 
tulips  than  to  enjoy  the  elegance  and  harmony  of  its  design, 
the  variety  of  scenery,  or  the  freshness  and  beauty  of  the 
foliage.  At  the  same  time,  he  is  neither  exclusive  nor  secret 
with  the  stores  of  enjoyment  which  he  has  within  its  bounds  ; 
and  very  many  of  the  private  villas  near  Rotterdam,  and  in 
other  parts  of  Holland,  have  mottoes  like  these  inscribed 
over  the  gateways—"  Tranquil  and  Content,"  '•  My  desire 
is  satisfied" — {genegentheiel  is  volde?i,) — "  Friendship  and 
sociability,"  and  numerous  others  of  a  similar  import. 

*  In  the  neighborhood  of  Antwerp,  not  a  long  time  since,  was  the  villa  of  M. 
Smetz,  where,  among  many  things  that  were  pretty,  was  the  odd  conceitof  a  lawn 
on  which  were  a  shepherd,  his  flock  of  sheep,  and  his  dog  cut  in  stone,  and  always 
looking  "  pastoral  and  country  like." 


HISTORICAL    NOTICES,  19 

The  ornamental  gardening  of  England  in  the  early  ages, 
and  during  the  reigns  of  Elizabeth,  James,  and  Charles, 
was  in  the  same  courtly  and  formal  taste.  Always  fonder 
than  any  other  people  of  great  landed  estates,  their  parks, 
even  in  the  days  of  the  Henrys,  were  grand  wooded  sur- 
faces, full  of  wild  sylvan  beauty  ;  but  that  part  considered 
the  ornamental  groimds,  near  the  house,  was  always  laid 
out  in  right  lined  avenues,  labyrinths,  parterres,  and  knot- 
ted gardens.  "  Nonsuch,"  a  royal  residence,  was  the  gar- 
dening wonder  of  the  reign  of  Henry  the  VHI.  ;  and  the 
chroniclers  have  left  enthusiastic  notes  of  its  various  charms. 
Keutzner,  in  his  account  of  these  gardens,  says,  "  in  the 
grove  of  Diana  is  a  very  agreeable  fountain,  with  Acteon 
turned  into  a  stag,  as  he  was  sprinkled  by  the  goddess  and 
her  nymphs,  with  inscriptions  ;  besides  another  pyramid  of 
marble,  full  of  concealed  pipes,  which  spirt  on  all  who  come 
within  their  reach." 

Charles  II.  startled,  like  the  rest  of  Europe,  with  the 
fame  of  Versailles,  sent  for  Le  Notre,  who,  it  is  said,  plant- 
ed St.  James  and  Greenwich  parks,  and  inspired  the  nobility 
with  a  taste  for  some  of  the  more  splendid  formalities  of 
the  French  school  of  design. 

Vegetable  sculpture,  and  all  the  accompaniments  of  Dutch 
taste  were  introduced  with  King  William,  and  had  their  hey- 
day of  fashion  ;  and  we  may  get  a  good  notion  of  the  subjects 
most  in  vogue,  by  an  extract  from  Pope's  keen  satire  on 
the  popular  taste,  written  as  late  as  1713,  when  it  was  be- 
gimiing  to  get  into  disrepute. 

Inventory  of  a  Virtuoso  Gardener.  Adam  and 
Eve  in  yew  ;  Adam,  a  little  shattered  by  the  fall  of  the 
tree  of  knowledge  in  the  great  storm ;  Eve  and  the 
serpent,  very  flourishing.  Noah's  ark  in  Holly ;  the 
ribs  a  little  damaged  for  want  of  water, 


20  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

The  tower  of  Babel,  not  yet  finished. 

St.  George,  in  box  ;  his  arm  scarce  long  enough,  but  will 
be  in  a  condition  to  stick  the  dragon  by  next  April. 

Edward  the  Black  Prince,  in  cypress. 

A  pair  of  giants  stunted,  to  be  sold  cheap. 

An  old  maid  of  honor,  in  wormwood. 

A  topping  Ben  Jonson,  in  laurel. 

Divers  eminent  modern  poets,  in  bays  ;  somewhat 
blighted. 

A  quick  set  hog,  shot  up  into  a  porcupine,  by  being  for- 
got a  week  in  rainy  weather. 

A  lavender  pig,  with  sage  growing  in  his  belly. 


Whatever  may  have  been  the  absurdities  of  the  ancient 
style,  it  is  not  to  be  denied  that  in  connection  with  highly 
decorated  architecture,  its  effect,  when  in  the  best  taste — as 
the  Italian — is  not  only  splendid  and  striking,  but  highly 
suitable  and  appropriate.  Sir  Walter  Scott,  in  an  essay 
on  landscape  embellisment,  says,  "  if  we  approve  of  Palla- 
dian  architecture,  the  vases  and  balustrades  of  Vitruvius, 
the  enriched  entablatures  and  superb  stairs  of  the  Italian 
school  of  gardening,  we  must  not,  on  this  accoimt,  be  con- 
strued as  vindicating  the  paltry  imitations  of  the  Dutch, 
who  clipped  yews  into  monsters  of  every  species,  and  re- 
lieved them  with  painted  wooden  figures.  The  distinction 
betwixt  the  Italian  and  Dutch  is  obvious.  A  stone  hewn 
into  a  gracefully  ornamented  vase  or  urn,  has  a  value 
which  it  did  not  before  possess  ;  a  yew  hedge  clipped  into 
a  fortification,  is  only  defaced.  The  one  is  a  production  of 
art,  the  other  a  distortion  of  nature." 

The  Modern  Style.  Dawn  to  the  time  of  Addison, 
in  the  begiiming  of  the  eighteenth  century,  the  formal  style 
reigned  triumphant.  The  gardener,  the  architect,  and  the 
sculptor — all  lovers  of  regularity  and  symmetry,  had  re- 
tained complete  mastery  of  its  arrangements.     And  it  is 


HISTORICAL    NOTICES.  21 

worthy  of  more  than  a  passing  remark,  that  when  the 
change  in  taste  did  take  place,  it  emanated  from  the  poet, 
the  painter,  and  the  tasteful  scholar,  rather  than  from  the 
practical  man.  In  the  poetical  imagination,  indeed,  the 
ideal  type  of  a  modern  landscape  garden  seems  always  to 
have  been  more  or  less  shadowed  forth.  The  Vaucluse  of 
Petrarch,  Tasso's  garden  of  Armida,  the  vale  of  Tempe  of 
iElian,  were  all  exquisite  conceptions  of  the  modern  style. 
And  Milton,  surrounded  as  he  was  by  the  splendid  formali- 
ties of  the  gardens  of  his  time,  copied  from  no  existing 
models,  but  feeling  that  Eden  must  have  been  free  and  ma- 
jestic in  its  outlines,  he  drew  from  his  inner  sense  of  the 
beautiful,  and  from  nature  as  he  saw  her  developed  in  the 
works  of  the  Creator.     There,  the  crisped  brooks, — 

"  With  mazy  error  under  pendant  shades 
Ran  nectar,  visiting  each  plant,  and  fed 
Flowers  worthy  of  Paradise,  which  not  nice  Art 
In  beds  and  curious  knots,  but  Nature  boon 
Pour'd  forth  profuse,  on  hill  and  dale  and  plain, 
Both  where  the  morning  sun  first  warmly  smote 
The  open  field,  and  where  the  unpierced  shade 
Imbrown'd  the  noontide  bowers ;  thus  was  this  place 
Ahappy  rural  seat  of  various  view." 

But  it  required  more  than  poetical  types  to  change  the 
long  rooted  fashion.  The  lever  of  satire  needed  to  be  ap- 
plied, and  the  golden  links  that  bind  Nature  and  Art  more 
clearly  revealed,  before  the  old  system  could  be  made  to 
waver.  Lord  Bacon,  who  looked  deeper  into  the  essence  of 
all  things  than  most  men  of  his  age,  was  one  of  the  first  to 
feel  uneasy  under  the  dominion  of  the  formal  taste  ;  and,  in 
his  essay  on  gardens,  full  of  a  stately  and  noble  plan,  he 
ventured,  in  the  reign  of  James  I.  a  tilt  at  the  popular  taste. 


22  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

"  As  for  the  making  of  knots  or  figures  with  divers  colored 
earths,  that  they  may  lie  mider  the  windows  of  the  house, 
they  be  but  toys  ;  you  may  see  as  good  sights  many  times 
in  tarts.  I,  for  my  part,  do  not  like  images  cut  out  in 
juniper  or  other  garden  stuff ;  they  are  for  children." 

Without  a  doubt,  however,  the  glory  and  merit  of  the 
gardening  revolution  belong  mainly  to  Addison  and  Pope. 
In  1712  appeared  Addison's  papers  on  Imagination,  con- 
sidered with  reference  to  the  works  of  Nature  and  Art. 
With  a  delicate  and  masterly  hand,  at  a  time  when  he  pos- 
sessed, through  the  "  Spectator,"  the  ear  of  all  refined  and 
tasteful  England,  he  lifted  the  veil  between  the  garden  and 
natural  charms,  and  showed  how  beautiful  were  their  rela- 
tions— how  soon  the  imagination  wearies  with  the  stifihess 
of  the  former,  and  how  much  grace  may  be  caught  from  a 
free-er  imitation  of  the  swelling  wood  and  hill. 

The  next  year  Pope,  who  was  both  a  poet  and  painter, 
opened  his  quiver  of  satire  in  the  celebrated  article  on  ver- 
dant sculpture  m  the  Guardian,  where  he  ridiculed  with  no 
sparing  hand  the  sheared  alleys,  formal  groves,  and 


"  Statues  growing  that  noble  place  in, 
All  heathen  goddesses  most  rare, 
JHomer,  Plutarch,  and  Nebuchadnezzar, 
Standing  naked  in  the  open  air !" 


Pope  was  a  refined  and  skilful  amateur,  and  his  garden 
at  Twickenham  became  a  celebrated  miniature  type  of  the 
natural  school.  In  his  Epistle  to  Lord  Burlington,  he  de- 
veloped somid  principles  for  the  new  art ; — the  study  of 
nature  ;  the  genius  of  the  place  ;  and  never  to  lose  sight  of 
good  sense ;  the  latter  a  rule  which  the  whimsical  follies 


HISTORICAL    NOTICES.  23 

of  that  day  in  gardening,  seemed,  doubtless,  to  render  espe- 
cially necessary,  but  which  the  discordant  abortions  of  am- 
bitious, would-be  men  of  taste,  prove  is  one  soonest  violated 
in  every  succeeding  age. 

The  change  in  the  popular  feeling  thus  created,  soon 
gave  rise  to  innovations  in  the  practical  art.  Bridgeman, 
the  fashionable  garden  artist  of  the  time,  struck,  as  Horace 
Walpole  thinks,  by  Pope's  criticisms,  banished  verdant 
sculptiue  from  his  plans,  and  introduced  bits  of  forest  scene- 
ry in  the  gardens  at  Richmond.  And  Loudon  and  Wise, 
the  two  noted  nurserymen  of  the  day,  laid  out  Kensington 
gardens  anew  in  a  manner  so  much  more  natural  as  to 
elicit  the  warm  commendations  of  Addison  in  the  Specta- 
tor. It  is  not  too  much  to  say  that  Kent  was  the  leader  of 
this  class.  Originally  a  painter,  and  the  friend  of  Lord 
Burlington,  he  next  devoted  himself  to  the  subject,  and 
was,  undoubtedly,  the  first  professional  landscape  gardener 
in  the  modern  style.  Previous  artists  had  confined  their 
efforts  within  the  rigid  walls  of  the  garden,  but  Kent,  who 
saw  in  all  nature  a  garden-landscape,  demolished  the  walls, 
introduced  the  ha-ha^  and  by  blending  the  park  and  the 
garden,  substituted  for  the  primness  of  the  old  enclosure, 
the  freedom  of  the  pleasiire-groimd.  His  taste  seems  to 
have  been  partly  formed  by  Pope,  and  the  Twickenham 
garden  was  the  prototype  of  those  of  Carlton  House,  Kent's 
chefd'oeuvre.  And,  notwithstanding  his  faults,  "his  tem- 
ples, obelisks,  and  gazabos  of  every  description  in  the  park, 
all  stuck  about  in  their  respective  high  places,"  notwith- 
standing that  his  passion  for  natural  effects  led  him  into  the 
absurdity  of  sometimes  planting  an  old  dead  tree  to  make 
the  allusion  more  perfect,  we  have  no  hesitation  in  ac- 
cording to  Kent   the   merit  of  first   fully   establishing,    in 


24  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

practice,  the  reform  in  taste  which  Addison  and  Pope  had 
so  completely  developed  in  theory. 

Among  the  landmarks  of  the  progress  of  the  taste,  we  must 
not  refuse  a  passing  notice  of  what  seems  to  have  been  an 
unique  and  beautiful  specimen  of  the  new  feeling  for  em- 
bellished nature — Leasowes,  the  "sentimental farm"  of  Shen- 
stone.  From  contemporary  accounts,  it  appears  to  have 
been  originally  a  grazing  farm,  from  which,  by  tasteful 
arrangement  and  planting,  and  pretty  walks,  seats,  root- 
house,  urns,  and  appropriate  inscriptions,  the  poet  created  a 
scene  of  much  pastoral  and  poetical  beauty. 

The  modern  style,  was  now  running  high  in  popular 
favour  in  England,  but  the  next  professor  of  the  art.  Brown, 
seems  to  have  been  a  mannerist  with  so  little  true  sym- 
pathy with  nature,  as  to  be  made  the  jest  of  every  succeed- 
ing generation- — great  and  fashionable,  as  the  fortune  he 
amassed,  and  the  long  list  of  royal  and  noble  places 
which  he  remodelled,  sufficiently  prove  him  to  have  been  in 
his  day.  "  Capability"  Brown,  as  he  was  nicknamed,  saw 
in  every  new  place  great  capabilities,  but  unfortunately  his 
own  mind  seems  to  have  furnished  but  one  model — a  round 
lake,  a  smooth  bare  lawn,  a  clump  of  trees  and  a  boundary 
belt — which  he  expanded,  with  few  variations,  to  suit  the 
compass  of  an  estate  of  a  thousand  acres,  or  a  cottage  with 
a  few  roods.  His  works  were  often  on  a  grand  scale,  and 
he  boasted  that  the  Thames  would  never  forgive  him  for 
the  rival  he  had  created  in  the  artificial  lake  at  Blenheim. 
"  The  places  he  altered,"  says  Loudon,  "  are  beyond  all 
reckoning.  Improvement  was  the  fashion  of  the  time  ;  and 
there  was  scarcely  a  country  gentleman  who  did  not,  on  some 
occasion  or  other,  consult  the  gardening  idol  of  the  day." 
Mason,  the  poet,  praises  this  artist,  and  Horace  Walpole  apolo- 


Library 
N,   C.  State    CoUeoe 


HISTORICAL    NOTICES.  25 

gizes  for  not  praising  him."  Daines  Barrington  says,  "Kent 
hath  been  succeeded  by  Brown,  who  hath  undoubtedly, 
great  merit  in  laying  out  pleasure  grounds  ;  but  I  conceive, 
that,  in  some  of  his  plans,  I  see  traces  rather  of  the  kitchen 
gardener  of  old  Stowe,  than  of  Poussin,  or  Claude  Lorraine." 

This  mannerism  gave  rise  finally,  to  the  celebrated  work 
On  the  Picturesque  by  Sir  Uvedale  Price,  who,  in  a  series  of 
elegant  and  masterly  essays,  pointed  out  the  faults  and  follies 
of  this  Brown  and  his  imitators,  analyzed  the  beautiful  and 
picturesque  in  nature  and  art,  and  founded  a  new  school, 
more  spirited  and  free  in  its  aim,  deriving  its  principles 
directly  from  nature  and  painting.  These,  with  Knight's 
elegant  Poem,  the  Landscape,  the  English  Garden  by 
Mason,  and  Whately's  Observations  on  Modern  Garden- 
ing, all  published  between  1750  and  the  beginning  of  the 
year  1800,  established  the  new  style  firmly  in  the  public  mind. 
On  the  Continent,  especially  in  France,  though  the  old 
fashioned  gardens  were  not  demolishedj  as  in  England, 
new  ones  were  laid  out  in  accordance  with  the  dawning  taste, 
and  none  of  the  antique  establishments  were  thought  perfect 
without  a  spot  set  apart  as  a  jardin  Anglais. 

It  is  not  a  little  remarkable  that  the  Chinese  taste  in  gar- 
dening, which  was  first  made  known  to  the  English  public 
about  this  time,  is  by  far  the  nearest  previous  approach  to 
the  modern  style.  Some  critics,  indeed,  have  asserted  that 
the  English  are  indebted  to  it  for  their  ideas  of  the  modern 
style.  However  this  may  be,  and  we  confess  it  has  very 
little  weight  with  us,  the  harmonious  system  which  the  taste 
of  the  English  has  evolved  in  the  modern  style,  is  at  the 
present  day,  too  far  beyond  the  Chinese  manner  to  admit  of 
any  comparison.  The  first  is  imbued  with  beauty  of  the 
most  graceful  and  agreeable  character,  based  upon  nature, 

4 


26  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

and  refined  by  art ;  while  the  latter  abounds  in  puerilities 
and  whimsical  conceits — rocky  hills,  five  feet  high— minia- 
ture bridges — dwarf  oaks,  a  hundred  years  old  and  twenty 
inches  in  altitude — which,  whatever  may  be  our  admiration 
for  the  curious  ingenuity  and  skill  tasked  in  their  produc- 
tion, leave  on  our  mind,  no  very  favourable  impression  of 
the  taste  which  designed  them. 

The  most  distinguished  English  Landscape  Gardeners  of 
more  recent  date,  are  the  late  Humphrey  Repton,  who  died 
in  1818  ;  and  since  him  John  Claudius  Loudon,  better  known 
in  this  country,  as  the  celebrated  gardening  author.  Repton's 
taste  in  Landscape  gardening  was  cultivated  and  elegant,  and 
many  of  the  finest  parks  and  pleasure  grounds  of  England, 
at  the  present  day,  bear  witness  to  the  skill  and  harmony  of 
his  designs.  His  published  works  are  full  of  instructive 
hints,  and  at  Cobham  Hall,  one  of  the  finest  seats  in 
Britain,  is  an  inscription  to  his  memory,  by  Lord  Darnley. 

Mr.  Loudon's*  writings  and  labours  in  tasteful  gardening, 
are  too  well  known,  to  render  it  necessary  that  we  should 
do  more  than  allude  to  them  here.  Much  of  what  is  known 
of  the  art  in  this  country  undoubtedly  is,  more  or  less  directly 
to  be  referred  to  the  influence  of  his  published  works.  Al- 
though he  is,  as  it  seems  to  us,  somewhat  deficient  as  an 
artist,  in  imagination,  no  previous  author  ever  deduced,  so 
clearly,  sound  artistical  principles  in  Landscape  Gardening, 
and  Rural  Architecture  ;  and  fitness,  good  sense,  and  beauty, 
are  combined  with  a  remarkable  unity  of  feeling  in  all  his 
works. 

*  While  we  are  revising  this  edition,  we  regret  deeply  to  learn  the  death  of  Mr. 
Loudon.  His  herculean  labours  as  an  author,  have  at  last  destroyed  him ;  and 
in  his  death  we  lose  one  who  has  done  more  than  any  other  person  that  ever 
lived  to  popularise,  and  render  universal,  a  taste  for  Gardening  and  Domestic 
Architecture. 


HISTORICAL    NOTICES.  27 

As  the  modern  style  owes  its  origin  mainly  to  the  English, 
so  it  has  also  been  developed  and  carried  to  its  greatest  per- 
fection in  the  British  Islands.  The  law  of  primogeniture, 
which  has  there  so  long  existed,  in  itself,  contributes  greatly 
to  the  continual  improvement  and  embellishment  of  those 
vast  landed  estates,  that  remain  perpetually  in  the  hands 
of  the  same  family.  Magnificent  buildings,  added  to  by  each 
succeeding  generation,  who  often  preserve  also  the  older 
portions  with  the  most  scrupulous  care  ;  wide  spread  parks, 
clothed  with  a  thick  velvet  turf,  which  amid  their  moist 
atmosphere,  preserves  during  great  part  of  the  year  an  eme- 
rald greenness — studded  with  noble  oaks  and  other  forest 
trees  which  number  centuries  of  growth  and  maturity  ;  these 
advantages,  in  the  hands  of  the  most  intelligent  and  the 
wealthiest  aristocracy  in  the  world,  have  indeed  made, 
almost,  an  entire  landscape  garden  of  "  merry  England." 
Among  a  multitude  of  splendid  examples  of  these  noble  resi- 
dences, we  will  only  refer  the  reader  to  the  celebrated 
Blenheim,  the  seat  of  the  Duke  of  Marlborough,  where  the 
lake  alone  (probably  the  largest  piece  of  artificial  water  in 
the  world)  covers  a  surface  of  two  hundred  acres  :  Warwick 
Castle,  a  venerable  pile,  portions  of  which  have  been  built 
a  thousand  years,  standing  on  a  hill  from  whence  the  eye, 
though  rangmg  over  a  wide-spread  landscape,  only  beholds 
the  park  and  wooded  demesne  of  one  proprietor :  and  Woburn 
Abbey,  the  grounds  of  which  are  full  of  the  choicest  speci- 
mens of  trees  and  plants,  and  where  the  park,  like  that  of 
Ashbridge,  Chatsworth,  and  several  other  private  residences 
in  England,  is  only  embraced  within  a  circumference  of 
from  ten,  to  twenty  miles. 

On  the  continent  of  Europe,  though  there  are  a  multitude 
of  examples  of  the  modern  style  of  landscape  gardening, 


28  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

which  is  there  called  the  English  or  naUiral  style,  yet  in 
the  neighborhood  of  many  of  the  capitals,  especially  those 
of  the  south  of  Europe,  the  taste  for  the  geometric  or  ancient 
style  of  gardening  still  prevails  to  a  considerable  extent ; 
partially  no  doubt  because  that  style  admits,  with  more 
facility,  of  those  classical  and  architectural  acompaniments 
of  vases,  statues,  busts,  etc.,  the  passion  for  which  per- 
vades a  people  rich  in  ancient  and  modern  sculptural  works 
of  art.  Indeed  many  of  the  gardens  on  the  continent  are 
more  striking  from  their  numerous  sculpturesque  orna- 
ments, interspersed  with  fountains  and  jets-d'eau,  than  from 
the  beauty  or  rarity  of  their  vegetation,  or  from  their  ar- 
rangement. 

In  the  United  States,  it  is  highly  improbable  that  we  shall 
ever  witness  such  splendid  examples  of  landscape  gardens 
as  those  abroad,  to  which  we  have  alluded.  Here  the  rights 
of  man  are  held  to  be  equal ;  and  if  there  are  no  enormous 
parks,  and  no  class  of  men  whose  wealth  is  hereditary,  there 
is,  at  least,  what  is  more  gratifying  to  the  feelings  of  the 
philanthropist,  the  almost  entire  absence  of  a  very  poor  class 
in  the  country  ;  while  Ave  have,  on  the  other  hand,  a  large 
class  of  independent  landholders,  who  are  able  to  assemble 
around  them,  not  only  the  useful  and  convenient,  but  the 
agreeable  and  beautiful,  in  country  life. 

The  number  of  individuals  among  us  who  possess  wealth 
and  refinement  SLifficient  to  enable  them  to  enjoy  the  plea- 
sures of  a  country  life,  and  who  desire  in  their  private  resi- 
dences so  much  of  the  beauties  of  landscape  gardening  and 
rural  embellishment  as  may  be  had  without  any  enor- 
mous expenditure  of  means,  is  every  day  increasing.  And 
although,  until  lately,  a  very  meagre  plan  of  laying  out  the 
grounds  of  a   residence,  was  all  that  we  could  lay  claim 


HISTORICAL     NOTICES.  29 

to,  yet  the  taste  for  elegant  rural  improvements  is  advancing 
now  so  rapidly,  that  we  have  no  hesitation  in  predicting  that 
in  half  a  century  more,  there  will  exist  a  greater  number  of 
beautiful  villas  and  country  seats  of  moderate  extent,  in  the 
Atlantic  States,  than  in  any  country  in  Europe,  England 
alone  excepted.  With  us,  a  feeling,  a  taste,  or  an  improve- 
ment, is  contagious  ;  and  once  fairly  appreciated  and  esta- 
blished in  one  portion  of  the  country,  it  is  disseminated  with 
a  celerity  that  is  indeed  wonderful,  to  every  other  portion. 
And  though,  it  is  necessarily  the  case  where  amateurs  of  any 
art  are  more  numerous  than  its  professors,  that  there  will 
be,  in  devising  and  carrying  plans  into  execution,  many 
specimens  of  bad  taste,  and  perhaps  a  sufficient  number  of 
efforts  to  improve  without  any  real  taste  whatever,  still  we 
are  convinced  the  effect  of  our  rural  embellishments  will  in 
the  end  be  highly  agreeable,  as  a  false  taste  is  not  likely  to 
be  a  permanent  one  in  a  community  where  every  thing  is  so 
much  the  subject  of  criticism. 

With  regard  to  the  literature  and  practice  of  Landscape 
Gardening  as  an  art,  in  North  America,  almost  every  thing 
is  yet  before  us,  comparatively  little  having  yet  been 
done.  Almost  all  the  improvements  in  the  gromids  of  our 
finest  country  residences,  have  been  carried  on  under  the 
direction  of  the  proprietors  themselves,  suggested  by  their 
own  good  taste,  in  many  instances  improved  by  the  study 
of  European  authors,  or  by  a  personal  inspection  of  the  finest 
places  abroad.  The  only  American  work  previously  published 
which  treats  directly  of  Landscape  Gardening,  is  the  A7ne7-i- 
can  Garderiefs  Calendar,  by  Bernard  McMahon  of  Phila- 
delphia. The  only  practitioner  of  the  art,  of  any  note,  was 
the  late  M.  Parmentier  of  Brooklyn,  Long  Island. 

M.  Andre  Parmentier  was  the  brother  of  that  celebrated 


30  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

horticulturist,  the  ChevaUer  Parmentier,  Mayor  of  Enghien, 
Holland.  He  emigrated  to  this  country  about  the  year 
1824,  and  in  the  Horticultural  Nurseries  which  he  esta- 
blished at  Brooklyn,  he  gave  a  specimen  of  the  natural  style 
of  laying  out  grounds,  combined  with  a  scientific  arrange- 
ment of  plants,  which  excited  public  curiosity,  and  contri- 
buted not  a  little,  to  the  dissemination  of  a  taste  for  the  na- 
tural mode  of  landscape  gardening. 

During  M.  Parmentier's  residence  on  Long  Island,  he  was 
almost  constantly  applied  to  for  plans  for  laying  out  the 
grounds  of  country  seats,  by  persons  in  various  parts  of  the 
Union,  as  well  as  in  the  immediate  proximity  of  New- York. 
In  many  cases  he  not  only  surveyed  the  demesne  to  be  im- 
proved, but  furnished  the  plants  and  trees  necessary  to  carry 
out  his  designs.  Several  plans  were  prepared  by  him  for  re- 
sidences of  note  in  the  Southern  States  ;  and  two  or  three 
places  in  Upper  Canada,  especially  near  Montreal,  were,  we 
believe,  laid  out  by  his  own  hands  and  stocked  from  his 
nursery  grounds.  In  his  periodical  catalogue,  he  arranged 
the  hardy  trees  and  shrubs  that  fiomish  in  this  latitude  in 
classes,  according  to  their  height,  etc.,  and  published  a  short 
treatise  on  the  superior  claims  of  the  natural,  over  the  formal 
or  geometric  style  of  laying  out  gromids.  In  short  Ave  con- 
sider M.  Parmentier's  labours  and  example  as  having  efiected, 
directly,  far  more  for  landscape  gardening  in  America,  than 
those  of  any  other  individual  whatever. 

The  introduction  of  tasteful  gardening  in  this  country  is, 
of  course,  of  a  very  recent  date.  But  so  long  ago  as  from 
25  to  50  years,  there  were  several  country  residences  highly 
remarkable  for  extent,  elegance  of  arrangement,  and  the 
highest  order  and  keeping.  Among  these,  we  desire  espe- 
cially, to  record  here  the  celebrated  seats  of  Chancellor  Liv- 


HISTORICAL    NOTICES.  31 

mgston,,Wm.  Hamilton  Esq.,  Theodore  Lyman  Esq.,  and 
Judge  Peters. 

Woodlands,  the  seat  of  the  Hamilton  family,  near  Phila- 
delphia, was,  so  long  ago  as  1805,  highly  celebrated  for  its 
gardening  beauties.  The  refined  taste  and  the  wealth  of  its 
accomplished  owner,  were  freely  lavished  in  its  improvement 
and  embellishment ;  and  at  a  time  when  the  introduction  of 
rare  exotics  was  attended  with  a  vast  deal  of  risk  and  trouble, 
the  extensive  green-houses  and  orangeries  of  this  seat,  con- 
tained all  the  richest  treasures  of  the  exotic  flora,  and 
among  other  excellent  gardeners  employed,  was  the  distin- 
guished botanist  Pursh,  whose  enthusiastic  taste  in  his  favorite 
science  was  promoted  and  aided  by  Mr.  Hamilton.  The 
extensive  pleasure  grounds  were  judiciously  planted  singly 
and  in  groups,  with  a  great  variety  of  the  finest  species  of 
trees.  The  attention  of  the  visitor  to  this  place  is  now  arrest- 
ed by  two  very  large  specimens  of  that  curious  tree,  the 
Japanese  Ginko,  {Salishiii^ia)  60  or  70  feet  high,  perhaps 
the  finest  in  Europe  or  America,  by  the  noble  magnolias, 
and  the  rich  park-like  appearance  of  some  of  the  plantations 
of  the  finest  native  and  foreign  oaks.  From  the  recent 
unhealthiness  of  this  portion  of  the  Schuylkill,  Woodlands 
has  fallen  into  decay,  but  there  can  be  no  question  that  it 
was,  for  a  long  time,  the  most  tasteful  and  beautiful  residence 
in  America. 

The  seat  of  the  late  Judge  Peters,  about  five  miles  from 
Philadelphia,  was,  30  years  ago,  a  noted  specimen  of  the 
ancient  school  of  landscape  gardening.  Its  proprietor 
had  a  most  extended  reputation  as  a  scientific  agricul- 
turist, and  his  place  was  also  no  less  remarkable  for  the 
design  and  culture  of  its  pleasure-grounds,  than  for  the 
excellence  of  its  farm.      Long  and  stately  avenues,  with 


32  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

vistas  terminated  by  obelisks,  a  garden  adorned  with  marble 
vases,  busts  and  statues,  and  pleasure  grounds  filled  with 
the  rarest  trees  and  shrubs,  were  conspicuous  features  here. 
Some  of  the  latter  are  now  so  remarkable  as  to  attract 
strongly  the  attention  of  the  visitor.  Among  them,  is  the 
chestnut  planted  by  Washington,  which  produces  the 
largest  and  finest  fruit ;  very  large  hollies ;  and  a  curious 
old  box  tree  much  higher  than  the  mansion  near  which 
it  stands.  But  the  most  striking  feature  now,  is  the  still 
remaining'  grand  old  avenue  of  hemlocks,  {Abies  canaden- 
sis.) Many  of  these  trees,  which  were  planted  100  years 
ago,  are  now  venerable  specimens,  ninety  feet  high,  whose 
huge  trunks  and  wide  spread  branches,  are  in  many  cases 
densely  wreathed  and  draped  with  masses  of  English  Ivy, 
forming  the  most  picturesque,  sylvan  objects  we  ever  be- 
held. 

Lemon  Hill,  half  a  mile  above  the  Fairmount  water- 
works of  Philadelphia,  was,  20  years  ago,  the  most  perfect 
specimen  of  the  geometric  mode  in  America,  and  since  its 
destruction  by  the  extension  of  the  city,  a  few  years  since? 
there  is  nothing  comparable  with  it,  in  that  style,  among  us. 
All  the  symmetry,  uniformity,  and  high  art  of  the  old 
school,  were  displayed  here  in  artificial  plantations,  formal 
gardens  with  trellises,  grottoes,  spring-houses,  temples,- 
statues  and  vases,  with  numerous  ponds  of  water,  jets-d'eau 
and  other  waterworks,  parterres  and  an  extensive  range  of 
hothouses.  The  eifect  of  this  garden  was  brilliant  and 
striking,  its  position,  on  the  lovely  banks  of  the  Schuylkill, 
admirable,  and  its  liberal  proprietor  Mr.  Pratt,  by  opening 
it  freely  to  the  public,  greatly  increased  the  popular  taste  in 
the  neighbourhood  of  that  city. 

On  the  Hudson,  the  show  place  of  the  last  age  was  the 


HISTORICAL   NOTICES.  33 

Still  interesting  Clermont,  then  the  residence  of  Chancellor 
Livingston.  Its  level  or  gently  undulating  lawn,  four  or 
five  miles  in  length,  the  rich  native  woods,  and  the  long 
vistas  of  planted  avenues,  added  to  its  fine  water  view,  ren- 
dered this  a  noble  place.  The  mansion,  the  green-houses, 
and  the  gardens,  show  something  of  the  French  taste  in 
design,  which  Mr.  Livingston's  residence  abroad,  at  the  time 
when  that  mode  was  popular,  no  doubt,  led  him  to  adopt. 
The  finest  yellow  locusts  in  America  are  now  standing  in 
the  pleasure-grounds  here,  and  the  gardens  contain  many 
specimens  of  fruit  trees,  the  first  of  their  sorts  introduced 
into  the  Union, 

Waltham  House,  about  nine  miles  from  Boston,  was,  25 
years  ago,  one  of  the  oldest  and  finest  places,  as  regards 
Landscape  Gardening.  Its  owner,  the  late  Hon.  T.  Lyman, 
was  a  highly  accomplished  man,  and  thp  grounds  at  Wal- 
tham House  bear  witness  to  a  refined  and  elegant  taste  in 
rural  improvement.  A  fine  level  park,  a  mile  in  length,  en- 
riched with  groups  of  English  limes,  elms  and  oaks,  and 
rich  masses  of  native  wood,  watered  by  a  fine  stream  and 
stocked  with  deer,  were  the  leading  features  of  the  place  at 
that  time;  and  this,  and  Woodlands,  were  the  two  best 
specimens  of  the  modern  style,  as  Judge  Peters'  seat.  Lemon 
Hill,  and  Clermont,  were  of  the  ancient  style,  in  the  earliest 
period  of  the  history  of  Landscape  Gardening  among  us. 

There  is  no  part  of  the  Union  where  the  taste  in  Land- 
scape Gardening  is  so  far  advanced,  as  on  the  middle  portion 
of  the  Hudson.  The  natural  scenery  is  of  the  finest  cha- 
racter, and  places  but  a  mile  or  two  apart  often  possess,  from 
the  constantly  varying  forms  of  the  water,  shores,  and  dis- 
tant hills,  widely  diiferent  kinds  of  home  landscape  and 
distant   view.    Standing   in  the  grounds  of  some  of  the 

5 


34  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

finest  of  these  seats,  the  eye  beholds  only  the  soft  foreground 
of  smooth  lawn,  the  rich  groups  of  trees  shutting  out  all 
neighbouring  tracts,  the  lake-like  expanse  of  water,  and, 
closing  the  distance.,  a  fine  range  of  wooded  mountain. 
A  residence  here  of  but  a  hundred  acres,  so  fortunately  are 
these  disposed  by  nature,  seems  to  appropriate  the  whole 
scenery  around,  and  to  be  a  thousand  in  extent. 

At  the  present  time,  our  handsome  villa  residences  are 
becoming  every  day  more  numerous,  and  it  would  require 
much  more  space  than  our  present  limits,  to  eraunerate  all 
the  tasteful  rural  country  places  within  our  knowledge, 
many  of  which  have  been  newly  laid  out,  or  greatly  im- 
proved within  a  few  years.  But  we  consider  it  so  im- 
portant and  instructive  to  the  novice  in  the  art  of  Landscape 
Gardening  to  examine,  personally,  country  seats  of  a  highly 
tasteful  character,  that  we  shall  venture  to  refer  the  reader 
to  a  few  of  those  which  have  now  a  reputation  among  us  as 
elegant  country  residences. 

Hyde  Park,  on  the  Hudson,  formerly  the  seat  of  the  late 
Dr.  Hosack,  now  of  W.  Langdon,  Esq.,  has  been  justly 
celebrated  as  one  of  the  finest  specimens  of  the  modern 
style  of  Landscape  Gardening  in  America.  Nature  has, 
indeed,  done  much  for  this  place,  as  the  grounds  are  finely 
varied,  beautifully  watered  by  a  lively  stream,  and  the  views 
are  inexpressibly  striking  from  the  neighbourhood  of  the 
house  itself,  including,  as  they  do,  the  noble  Hudson  for 
sixty  miles  in  its  course,  through  rich  valleys  and  bold 
mountains.  (See  Fig.  1.)  But  the  efforts  of  art  are  not 
unworthy  so  rare  a  locality ;  and  while  the  native  woods, 
and  beautifully  undulating  surface,  are  preserved  in  their 
original  state,  the  pleasure-grounds,  roads,  walks,  drives,  and 
new  plantations,  have  been  laid  out  in  such  a  judicious 


I'  ig.  1.      View  in  the  Grounds  at  Hyde  Park 


Fig.  2.     TLie  I.IaL.or  of  Livingston. 


HISTORICAL    NOTICES.  35 

manner  as  to  heighten  the  charms  of  nature.  Large  and 
costly  hot-houses  were  erected  by  Dr.  Hosack,  with  also 
entrance  lodges  at  two  points  on  the  estate,  a  fine  bridge  over 
the  stream,  and  niunerous  pavilions  and  seats  commanding 
extensive  prospects  ;  in  short,  nothing  was  spared  to  render 
this  a  complete  residence.  The  park,  which  at  one  time 
contained  some  fine  deer,  afforded  a  delightful  drive  within 
itself,  as  the  whole  estate  numbered  about  seven  hmidred 
acres.  The  plans  for  laying  out  the  grounds  were  fur- 
nished by  Parmentier,  and  architects  from  New- York  were 
employed  in  designing  and  erecting  the  buildings.  For  a 
long  time,  this  was  the  finest  seat  in  America,  but  there  are 
now  many  rivals  to  this  claim. 

The  Manor  of  Livingston,  the  seat  of  Mrs.  Mary  Liv- 
ingston, is  seven  miles  east  of  the  city  of  Hudson.  The 
mansion  stands  in  the  midst  of  a  fine  park,  rising  gradually 
from  the  level  of  a  rich  inland  country,  and  commanding 
prospects  for  sixty  miles  around.  This  park  is,  perhaps, 
the  most  remarkable  in  America,  for  the  noble  simplicity  of 
its  character,  and  the  perfect  order  in  which  it  is  kept. 
The  turf  is,  every-where,  short  and  velvet-like,  the  gravel- 
roads  scrupuloushr  firm  and  smooth,  and  near  the  house 
are  the  largest  and  most  superb  evergreens.  The  mansion 
is  one  of  the  chastest  specimens  of  the  Grecian  style,  and 
there  is  an  air  of  great  dignity  and  grace  about  the  whole 
demesne.     (Fig.  2.) 

Blithewood,  the  seat  of  R.  Donaldson,  Esq.,  near  Barry- 
town  on  the  Hudson,  is  one  of  the  most  charming  villa  resi- 
dences in  the  Union.  The  natiual  scenery  here,  is  nowhere 
surpassed  in  its  enchanting  union  of  softness  and  dignity — 
the  river  being  four  miles  wide,  its  placid  bosom  broken  only 
by  islands  and  gleaming  sails,  and  the  horizon  grandly 
closing  in  with  the  tall  blue  summits  of  the  distant  Kaats- 


36  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

kills.  The  smiling,  gently  varied  lawn  is  studded  with 
groups  and  masses  of  fine  forest  and  ornamental  trees,  be- 
neath which  are  walks  leading  in  easy  curves  to  rustic 
seats,  and  summer  houses  placed  in  secluded  spots,  or  to 
openings  affording  most  lovely  prospects.  (See  Frontis- 
piece). In  various  situations  near  the  house  and  upon  the 
lawn,  sculptured  vases  of  Maltese  stone  are  also  disposed  in 
such  a  manner  as  to  give  a  refined  and  classic  air  to  the 
grounds. 

As  a  pendant  to  this  graceful  landscape,  there  is  within 
the  gromids  scenery  of  an  opposite  character,  equally  wild 
and  picturesque — a  fine,  bold  stream,  fringed  with  woody 
banks,  and  dashing  over  several  rocky  cascades,  thirty  or  forty 
feet  in  height,  and  falling,  altogether,  a  hundred  feet  in  half 
a  mile.  (See  view.  Sect,  viii.)  There  are  also,  within  the 
groimds,  a  pretty  gardener's  lodge,  in  the  rural  cottage  style, 
and  a  new  entrance  lodge  by  the  gate,  in  the  bracketted 
mode ;  in  short,  we  can  recall  no  place  of  moderate  extent, 
where  nature,  and  tasteful  art,  are  both  so  prodigal  of  beauty, 
and  so  harmonious  in  effect. 

Montgomery  Place  is  directly  south  of  Blithewood.  It 
is  remarkable  for  its  rich  masses  of  wo(^,  with  dark  and 
shadowy  walks  of  great  length  and  variety,  the  interest  of 
which  is  heightened  by  numerous,  tasteful  rustic  seats, 
arbours,  and  root-houses.  Near  the  house  are  a  stately 
Conservatory  and  flower-garden,  and  the  views  from  the 
lawn  are  rich  and  extensive.  This  place  is  the  seat  of  Mrs. 
Edward  Livingston,  and  like  the  neighbouring  one  of  J.  R. 
Livingston,  Esq.,  abomids  in  magnificent  single  trees, 
groups,  masses,  and  rolling  woods,  disposed  in  the  modern 
style  over  an  extensive  rolling  surface,  having  much  the 
air  of  an  old  European  residence. 


HISTORICAL    NOTICES.  37 

These  places  owe  almost  their  entire  beauty  to  nature,  as 
this  wood  is  the  native  growth  of  the  soil — ^just  so  much  of 
the  natural  foliage  having  been  retained,  as  clothes  the  es- 
tate with  an  ample  garniture  ;  and  much  of  the  effect  of  the 
finest  park,  carefully  laid  out  and  planted  in  the  modern 
style,  is  obtained,  by  judiciously  managing  the  materials,  of 
which  nature  has  here  been  so  extremely  prodigal. 

The  seat  of  Mr.  Wadsworth,  at  Geneseo,  is  the  first  in 
the  interior  of  this  state.  The  park  is  large,  on  a  fine 
sweeping  outline  of  surface,  and  contains  many  oaks  of 
extraordinary  size  and  beauty.  The  Genesee  valley  is, 
itself,  when  seen  at  a  distance,  quite  park-like,  and  for 
natural,  sylvan  beauty,  there  is  little  in  the  country,  sur- 
passing portions  of  the  grounds  of  this  extensive  estate. 

Beaverwyck,  a  little  north  of  Albany,  on  the  opposite  bank 
of  the  river,  is  the  seat  of  Wm.  P.  Van  Rensselaer,  Esq. 
(Fig.  3.)  The  whole  estate  is  ten  or  twelve  miles  square,  in- 
cluding the  village  of  Bath  on  the  river  shore,  and  a  large 
farming  district.  The  home  residence  embraces  several  hun- 
dred acres,  with  a  large  level  lawn,  bordered  by  highly  varied 
surface  of  hill  and  dale.  The  mansion,  one  of  the  first 
class,  is  newly  erected  from  the  plans  of  Mr.  Diaper,  and  in 
its  interior — its  hall  with  mosaic  floor  of  polished  woods, 
its  marble  staircase,  frescoed  apartments,  and  spacious  adjoin- 
ing conservatory — is  perhaps  the  most  splendid  in  the  Union. 
The  grounds  are  yet  newly  laid  out,  but  with  much  judg- 
ment ;  and  six  or  seven  miles  of  winding,  gravelled  roads 
and  walks  have  been  formed — their  boundaries  now  leading 
over  level  meadows,  and  now  winding  through  woody  dells. 
The  drives  thus  afforded,  are  almost  unrivalled  in  extent  and 
variety,  and  give  the  stranger  or  guest,  an  opportunity  of  see- 
ing the  near,  and  distant  views,  to  the  best  advantage. 


38  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

Dutchess  county,  bordering  the  Hudson,  abounds  with 
many  beautiful  seats.  Near  Rhinebeck  are  Mr.  James's  and 
Mr.  Emmet's,  charmingly  located,  with  much  simple  beauty 
of  lawn  and  trees ;  and  Mr.  Kelly's,  remarkable  for  the  rich 
park-like  view  from  the  terrace,  in  front  of  the  house.  Near 
NeAV-Hambm-gh,  the  seats  of  Mr.  Sheafe  and  Mr.  Lenox, 
evince  high  keeping,  and  tasteful  culture. 

At  Tarrytown,  is  the  cottage  residence  of  Washington 
Irving,  which  is,  in  location  and  accessories,  almost  the  beau 
ideal  of  a  cottage-ornee.  The  charming  manner  in  which 
the  wild  foot-paths,  in  the  neighborhood  of  this  cottage,  are 
conducted  among  the  picturesque  dells  and  banks,  is  pre- 
cisely what  one  would  look  for  here.  A  little  below,  Mr. 
Sheldon's  cottage,  with  its  pretty  lawn  and  its  charming 
brook, — is  one  of  the  best  specimens  of  this  kind  of  resi- 
dence on  the  river.  At  Hastings,  four  or  five  miles  south, 
is  the  agreeable  seat  of  Judge  Constant. 

About  twelve  miles  from  New- York,  on  the  Somid,  is 
Huntefs  Island,  the  seat  of  John  Hunter,  Esq.,  a  place  of 
much  simplicity  and  dignity  of  character.  The  whole  island, 
may  be  considered  an  extensive  park,  carpeted  with  soft 
lawn,  and  studded  with  noble  trees.  The  mansion  is  sim- 
ple in  its  exterior,  but,  internally,  is  filled  with  rich  treasures 
of  art.  The  seat  of  James  Munroe,  Esq.,  on  the  East  river 
in  this  neighbourhood,  abounds  with  beautiful  trees,  and 
many  other  features  of  interest. 

The  Cottage  residence  of  William  H.  Aspinwall,  Esq.,* 
on  Staten  Island,  is  a  highly  picturesque  specimen  of 
Landscape  Gardening.  The  house  is  in  the  English  cot- 
tage style,  and  from  its  open  lawn  in  front,  the  eye  takes 
in  a  wide  view  of  the  ocean,  the  Narrows,  and  the  blue 
hills  of  Neversink.    In  the  rear  of  the  cottage,  the  sur- 


-liTIiii '  iin  iil  ni 


Fig.  3      Beavex-n^yck.  the  Seat  of  Wm  P.  Van  Rensselaer,  Esq. 


Fig.  4      Cottage  Residence  of  Wm.  H,  Asxjinvrall,  Esq. 


HISTORICAL    NOTICES.  39 

face  is  much  broken  and  varied,  and  finely  wooded  and 
planted.  In  improving  this  picturesque  site,  a  nice  sense 
of  the  charm  of  natural  expression  has  been  evinced ; 
and  the  sudden  variations  from  smooth  open  surface,  to 
wild,  w^ooded  banks,  with  rocky,  moss-covered  flights  of 
steps,  strike  the  stranger,  equally  with  surprise  and  delight. 
A  charming  greenhouse,  a  knotted  flower  garden,  and  a 
pretty,  rustic  moss-house,  are  among  the  interesting  points 
of  this  spirited  place.     (See  Fig.  4). 

In  Connecticut,  Monte  Video,  the  seat  of  Daniel  Wads- 
worth,  Esq.,  near  Hartford,  is  worthy  of  commendation,  as 
it  evinces  a  good  deal  of  beauty  in  its  grounds,  and  is  one 
of  the  most  tasteful  in  the  state.  The  residence  of  James 
HilDiouse,  Esq.,  near  New-Haven,  is  a  pleasing  specimen 
of  the  simplest  kind  of  Landscape  Gardening,  where  grace- 
ful forms  of  trees,  and  a  gently  sloping  surface  of  grass, 
are  the  principal  features.  The  villa  of  Mr.  Whitney,  near 
New-Haven,  is  one  of  the  most  tastefully  managed  in  the 
state.  In  Maine,  the  most  remarkable  seat,  as  respects 
landscape  gardening  and  architecture,  is  that  of  Mr.  Gar- 
diner, of  Gardiner. 

The  environs  of  Boston,  are  more  highly  cultivated  than 
those  of  any  other  city  in  North  America.  There  are  here, 
whole  rural  neighborhoods  of  pretty  cottages  and  villas, 
admirably  cultivated,  and,  in  many  cases,  tastefully  laid  out 
and  planted.  The  character  of  even  the  finest  of  these 
places,  is,  perhaps,  somewhat  suburban,  as  compared  with 
those  of  the  Hudson  river,  but  we  regard  them  as  furnish- 
ing admirable  hints  for  a  class  of  residence  likely  to  become 
more  numerous  than  any  other  in  this  country — the  taste- 
ful, suburban  cottage.  The  owner  of  a  small  cottage  resi- 
dence, may  have  almost  every  kind  of  beauty  and  enjoyment 


40  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

in  his  groimds,  that  the  largest  estate  will  aftbrd,  so  far 
as  regards  the  interest  of  trees  and  plants,  tasteful  arrange- 
ment, recreation,  and  occupation.  Indeed,  we  have  little 
doubt  that  he,  who  directs,  personally,  the  curve  of  every 
walk,  selects  and  plants  every  shrub  and  tree,  and  watches 
with  solicitude  every  evidence  of  beauty  and  progress, 
succeeds  in  extracting  from  his  tasteful  grounds  of  half  a 
dozen  acres,  a  more  intense  degree  of  pleasure,  than  one 
who  is  only  able  to  direct  and  enjoy,  in  a  general  sense,  the 
arrangement  of  a  vast  estate. 

Belmont,  the  seat  of  J.  P.  Gushing,  Esq.,  is  a  residence 
of  more  note  than  any  other  near  Boston;  but  this  is, 
chiefly,  on  account  of  the  extensive  ranges  of  glass,  the 
forced  fruits,  and  the  high  culture  of  the  gardens.  A  new 
and  spacious  mansion  has  recently  been  erected  here,  and 
the  pleasure-grounds  are  agreeably  varied  with  fine  groups 
and  masses  of  trees  and  shrubs  on  a  pleasing  lawn.     (Fig.  5.) 

The  seat  of  Col.  Perkins,  at  Brookline,  is  one  of  the 
most  interesting  in  this  neighbourhood.  The  very  beautiful 
lawn  here,  abounds  with  exquisite  trees,  finely  disposed ; 
among  them,  some  larches  and  Norvvay  firs,  with  many  other 
rare  trees  of  uncommon  beauty  of  form.  At  a  short  dis- 
tance is  the  villa  residence  of  Theodore  Lyman,  Esq.,  re- 
markable for  the  unusually  fine  avenue  of  Elms  leading  to 
the  house,  and  for  the  beautiful  architectural  taste  displayed 
in  the  dwelling  itself.  The  seat  of  the  Hon.  John  Lowell, 
at  Roxbury,  possesses  also,  many  interesting  gardening 
features.* 

*  We  Americans  are,  proverbially  impatient  of  delay,  and  a  few  years  in 
prospect,  appears  an  endless  futurity.  So  much  is  this  the  feeling  with  many, 
that  we  verily  believe  there  are  hundreds  of  our  country  places,  wliich  owe 
their  bareness  and  destitution  of  foliage  to  the  idea,  so  common,  that  it  requires 
"an  age"  for  forest  trees  to  "  grow  up." 

The  middle  aged  man,  hesitates  about  the  good  of  planting  what  he  imagines, 


Fig.  5.     Belmont  Place,  near  Boston,  the  Seat  of  J.  P^Cusbing,  Esq. 


FiH,  ij.     'vicwin  the  Grounds  at  Pits  Bank. 


HISTORICAL    NOTICES.  41 

Pine  Bank,  the  Perkins  estate,  on  the  border  of  Jamaica 
lake,  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  residences  near  Boston. 
The  natural  surface  of  the  ground  is  exceedingly  flowing 
and  graceful,  and  it  is  varied  by  two  or  three  singular  little 
dimples,  or  hollows,  which  add  to  its  eflect.  Luxuri- 
ant specimens  of  the  white  pine  abound,  so  as  to  give  a 
name  to  the  place,  Avhich  is  otherwise  charmingly  planted 
and  grown.  The  perfect  order  of  the  gromids  ;  the  beauty 
of  the  walks,  sometimes  skirting  the  smooth  open  lawn,  en- 
riched with  rare  plants  and  shrubs,  and  then  winding  by 
the  shadowy  banks  of  the  water ;  the  soft  and  quiet  cha- 
racter of  the  lake  itself, — its  margin  richly  fringed  with 
trees,  which  conceal  here  and  there  a  pretty  cottage,  its  firm 
clean  beach  of  gravel,  and  its  water  of  crystal  purity  ;  all 
these  features  make  this  place  a  little  gem  of  natural  and 
artistical  harmony,  and  beauty.     (Fig.  6.) 

On  the  other  side  of  the  lake  is  the  cottage  of  Thomas 
Lee,  Esq.  Enthusiastically  fond  of  botany,  and  gardening 
in  all  its  departments,  Mr.  Lee  has  here  formed  a  residence  of 

he  shall  never  see  arriving  at  maturity,  and  even  many  who  are  younger, 
conceive  that  it  requires  more  than  an  ordinary  lifetime,  to  rear  a  fine  wood  of 
planted  trees.  About  two  years  since,  we  had  the  pleasure  of  visiting  the  seat 
of  the  late  Mr.  Lowell,  whom  we  found  in  a  green  old  age,  still  enjoying,  with 
the  enthusiasm  of  youth,  the  pleasures  of  Horticulture  and  a  country  life.  For 
the  encouragement  of  those,  who  are  ever  complaining  of  the  tardy  pace  with  which 
the  growth  of  trees  advances,  we  will  here  record  that  we  accompanied  Mr.  L. 
through  a  belt  of  fine  woods  (skirting  part  of  his  residence,)  nearly  half  a  mile  in 
length,  consisting  of  almost  all  our  finer  hardy  tree.s,  many  of  them  apparently 
full  grown,  the  whole  of  wliich  had  been  planted  by  him  when  he  was  thirty-two 
years  old.  At  that  time,  a  solitary  elm,  or  two  were  almost  the  only  trees  upon 
his  estate.  We  can  hardly  conceive  a  more  rational  source  of  pride  or  enjoyment, 
than  to  be  able  thus  to  walk,  in  the  decline  of  years,  beneath  the  shadow  of  um- 
brageous woods  and  groves,  planted  by  our  own  hands,  and  whose  growth  has 
become  almost  identified  with  our  own  progress  and  existence. 

6 


42  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

as  much  variety  and  interest  as  we  ever  saw  in  so  moderate 
a  compass — about  20  acres.  It  is,  indeed,  not  only  a  most 
instructive  place  to  the  amateur  of  landscape  gardening,  but 
to  the  naturalist  and  lover  of  plants.  Every  shrub  seems 
placed  precisely  in  the  soil  and  aspect  it  likes  best,  and 
native  and  foreign  Rhododendrons,  Kalmias,  and  other  rare 
shrubs,  are  seen  here  in  the  finest  condition.  There  is  a 
great  deal  of  variety  in  the  surface  here,  and  while  the  lawn- 
front  of  the  house  has  a  polished  and  graceful  air,  one  or 
two  other  portions  are  quite  picturesque.  Near  the  entrance 
gate  is  an  English  oak,  only  fourteen  years  planted,  now 
forty  feet  high. 

The  whole  of  this  neighbourhood  of  Brookline  is  a  kind 
of  landscape  garden,  and  there  is  nothing  in  America,  of  the 
sort,  so  inexpressibly  charming  as  the  lanes  which  lead 
from  one  cottage,  or  villa,  to  another.  No  animals  are 
allowed  to  run  at  large,  and  the  open  gates,  with  tempting 
vistas  and  glimpses  under  the  pendant  boughs,  give  it  quite 
an  Arcadian  air  of  rural  freedom  and  enjoyment.  These 
lanes  are  clothed  with  a  profusion  of  trees  and  wild  shrub- 
bery, often  almost  to  the  carriage  tracks,  and  curve  and  wind 
about,  in  a  mamier  quite  bewildermg  to  the  stranger  who 
attempts  to  thread  them  alone ;  and  there  are  more  hints 
here  for  the  lover  of  the  picturesque  in  lanes,  than  we  ever 
saw  assembled  together  in  so  small  a  compass. 

In  the  environs  of  New-Bedford  are  many  beautiful 
residences.  Among  these,  we  desire  particularly  to  notice 
the  residence  of  James  Arnold,  Esq.  There  is  scarcely  a 
place  in  New-England,  where  the  -pleasure-grounds  are  so 
artistically  laid  out,  so  full  of  variety,  and  in  such  perfect 
order  and  keeping,  as  at  this  charming  spot ;  and  its  winding 
walks,  open  bits  of  lawn,  shrubs  and  plants  grouped  on  turf, 


~^  i5*?^l:^^fc=^ 


Fig.  7.     View  in  the  Grounds  of  James  Arnold,  Esq   New-Bedford. 


Fig   8      M'r   Dunns  Cottaqe,  Mount  Hollv,  N   J 


HISTORICAL    NOTICES.  43 

shady  bowers,  and  rustic  seats,  all  most  agreeably  combined, 
render  this  a  very  interesting  and  instructive  suburban  seat. 

In  New- Jersey,  the  grounds  of  the  Count  de  Survilliers, 
at  Bordentown,  are  very  extensive  ;  and  although  the  surface 
is  mostly  flat,  it  has  been  well  varied  by  extensive  plan- 
tations. At  Momit  Holly,  about  twenty  miles  from  Camden, 
is  Mr.  Dunn's  unique,  semi-oriental  cottage,  with  a  con- 
siderable extent  of  pleasure  ground,  newly  planted,  after  the 
designs  of  Mr.  Notman.  (Fig.  8.) 

About  Philadelphia  there  are  several  very  interesting  seats 
on  the  banks  of  the  Delaware,  and  Schuylkill,  and  the 
district  between  these  two  rivers. 

The  country  seat  of  Geo.  iSheaff,  Esq.,  one  of  the  most 
remarkable  in  Pennsylvania,  in  many  respects,  is  twelve 
miles  north  of  Philadelphia.  The  house  is  a  large  and 
respectable  mansion  of  stone,  surromided  by  pleasure-grounds 
and  plantations  of  fine  evergreen  and  deciduous  trees.  The 
conspicuous  ornament  of  the  grounds,  however,  is  a  mag- 
nificent white  oak,  of  enormous  size,  whose  wide  stretching 
branches,  and  grand  head,  give  an  air  of  dignity  to  the  whole 
place.  (Fig.  9.)  Among  the  sylvan  features  here,  most  in- 
teresting, are  also  the  handsome  evergreens,  chiefly  Balsam 
or  Balm  of  Gilead  firs,  some  of  which  are  now  much 
higher  than  the  mansion.  These  trees  were  planted  by  Mr. 
Sheaff  twenty-two  years  ago,  and  were  then  so  small,  that  they 
were  brought  by  him  from  Philadelphia,  at  various  times,  in 
his  carriage — a  circumstance  highly  encouraging  to  despair- 
ing planters,  when  we  reflect  how  comparatively  slow  grow- 
ing is  this  tree.  This  whole  estate  is  a  striking  example  of 
science,  skill  and  taste,  applied  to  a  country  seat,  and  there  are 
few  in  the  Union,  taken  as  a  whole,  superiour  to  it.* 

*  The  farm  is  300  acres  in  extent,  and,  in  the  time  of  De  Witt  Clinton,  was  pro- 
nounced by  him  the  model  farm  of  the  United  States.     At  the  present  time  we 


44  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING, 

Cottage  residence  of  Mrs.  Camac.  This  is  one  of  the 
most  agreeable  places,  within  a  few  miles  of  Philadelphia. 
The  house  is  a  picturesque  cottage,  in  the  rural  gothic  style, 
with  very  charming  and  appropriate  pleasure  grounds,  com- 
prising many  groups  and  masses  of  large  and  finely  grown 
trees,  interspersed  with  a  handsome  collection  of  shrubs  and 
plants  ;  the  whole  very  tastefully  arranged.  (Fig.  10.)  The 
lawn  is  prettily  varied  in  surface,  and  there  is  a  conservatory 
attached  to  the  house,  in  which  the  plants  in  pots  are 
hidden  in  beds  of  soft  green  moss,  and  which,  in  its  whole 
effect  and  management,  is  more  tasteful  and  elegant  than 
any  plant  house,  comiected  with  a  dwelling,  that  we  re- 
member to  have  seen. 

Stenton,  near  Germantown,  four  miles  from  Philadelphia 
is  a  fine  old  place,  with  many  picturesque  features.  The 
farm  consists  of  700  acres,  almost  without  division  fences — 
admirably  managed — and  remarkable  for  its  grand  old 
avenue  of  the  hemlock  spruce,  110  years  old,  leading  to  a 
family  cemetery,  of  much  sylvan  beauty.  There  is  a  large, 
and  excellent  old  mansion,  with  paved  hall,  built  in  1731, 
which  is  preserved  in  its  original  condition.  This  place  was 
the  seat  of  the  celebrated  Logan,  the  friend  of  William  Penn, 
and  is  now  owned  by  his  descendant,  Albanus  Logan. 

know  nothing  superior  to  it,  and  Capt.  Barclay,  in  his  agricultural  tour,  says  it  was 
the  only  instance  of  regular,  scientific  system  of  husbandry  in  the  English  man- 
ner, he  saw  in  America.  Indeed,  the  large,  and  regular  fields,  filled  with  luxuriant 
crops,  every  where  of  an  exact  evenness  of  growth,  and  every  where  free  from 
■weeds  of  any  sort ;  the  perfect  system  of  manuring  and  culture  ;  the  simple  and 
complete  fences ;  the  fine  stock ;  the  very  spacious  bams,  every  season  newly 
whitewashed  internally  and  externally,  paved  with  wood,  and  as  clean  as  a 
gentleman's  stable,  (with  stalls  to  fatten  90  head  of  cattle;)  these,  and  the 
masterly  way  in  which  the  whole  is  managed,  both  as  regards  culture  and  profit, 
render  this  estate  one  of  no  common  interest  in  an  agricultural,  as  well  as  ornamental 
point  of  view. 


Y\"    9.     The  Seat  of  Geo.  SheafF,  lisq. 


Fig.  10      Mrs.  Camac's  Residence. 


HISTORICAL    NOTICES.  45 

The  villa  residence  of  Alexander  Brown,  Esq.,  is  situated 
on  the  Delaware,  a  few  miles  above  Philadelphia.  There 
is  here,  a  good  deal  of  beauty  in  the  natural  style,  made  up 
chiefly  by  lawn  and  forest  trees.  A  pleasing  drive  through 
plantations  of  25  years  growth,  is  one  of  the  most  interest- 
ing features— and  there  is  much  elegance  and  high  keeping 
in  the  grounds. 

Below  Philadelphia,  the  lover  of  beautiful  places  will 
find  a  good  deal  to  admire  in  the  country  seat  of  John  R. 
Latimer,  Esq.,  near  Wilmington,  which  enjoys  the  reputa- 
tion of  being  the  finest  in  Delaware.  This  place  has  all 
the  advantages  of  high  keeping,  richly  stocked  gardens  and 
conservatories,  and  much  natural  beauty,  heightened  by 
judicious  planting,  arrangement  and  culture. 

At  the  south  are  many  extensive  country  residences  re- 
markable for  trees  of  unusual  grandeur  and  beauty,  among 
which  the  live  oak  is  very  conspicuous  ;  but  they  are,  in  gene- 
Tal,  wanting  in  that  high  keeping  and  care,  which  is  so 
essential  to  the  charm  of  a  landscape  garden. 

Of  smaller  villa  residences,  suburban  chiefly,  there  are 
great  numbers,  springing  up  almost  by  magic,  in  the  borders 
of  our  towns  and  cities.  Though  the  possessors  of  these  can 
scarcely  hope  to  introduce  any  thing  approaching  to  a  land- 
scape garden  style,  in  laying  out  their  limited  gromids,  still 
they  may  be  greatly  benefited  by  an  acquaintance  with  the 
beauties,  and  the  pleasures,  of  this  species  of  rural  embellish- 
ment. When  we  are  once  master  of  the  principles,  and  aware 
of  the  capabilities  of  an  art,  we  are  able  to  infuse  an  expression 
of  tasteful  design,  or  an  air  of  more  correct  elegance,  even 
into  the  most  humble  works,  and  with  very  limited  means. 

While  we  shall  endeavour,  in  the  following  pages,  to  give 
such  a  view  of  modern  Landscape  Gardening,  as  will  enable 


46  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

the  improver  to  proceed  with  his  fascinating  operations,  in 
embellishing  the  comitry  residence,  in  a  practical  mode,  based 
upon  what  are  now  generally  received  as  the  correct  princi- 
ples of  the  art,  we  would  desire  the  novice,  after  making  him- 
self acquainted  with  all  that  can  be  acquired  from  written 
works  within  his  reach,  to  strengthen  his  taste  and  add  to  his 
knowledge,  by  a  practical  inspection  of  the  best  country  seats 
among  us.  In  an  infant  state  of  society,  in  regard  to  the  fine 
arts,  much  will  be  done  in  violation  of  good  taste  ;  but  here 
where  nature  has  done  so  much  for  us,  there  is  scarcely  a 
large  country  residence  in  the  Union,  from  which  useful  hints 
in  Landscape  Gardening  may  not  be  taken.  And  in  nature, 
a  group  of  trees,  an  accidental  pond  of  water,  or  some  equally 
simple  object,  may  form  a  study  more  convincing  to  the  mind 
of  a  true  admirer  of  natural  beauty,  than  the  most  carefully 
drawn  plan,  or  the  most  elaborately  written  description. 


HISTORICAL    NOTICES. 


47 


SECTION  II. 


BEAUTIES  AND  PRINCIPLES  OF  THE  ART. 


Capacities  of  tlie  art.  The  beauties  of  the  ancient  stj'lc.  The  modern  style.  General 
beauty,  and  Picturesque  beauty  :  their  distinctive  characteristics.  Illustrations  drawn  from 
Nature  and  Painting.  Nature  and  principles  of  Landscape  Gardening  as  an  Imitative  art. 
The  Graceful  school.  The  Picturesque  school.  Simple  beauty  of  the  art.  The  principles 
of  Unity,  Harmony,  and  Variety. 

"  Here  Nature  in  her  unaffected  dresse, 
Plaited  with  vallies  and  imbost  with  hills, 
Enchast  with  silver  streams,  and  fringed  with  woods, 

Sits  lovely." 

Chamberlayne. 


"  II  est  des  soins  plus  doux,  un  art  plus  enchanteur. 
C'est  peu  de  charmer  I'ceil,  il  faut  parler  au  coeur. 
Avez-vous  done  connu  ces  rapports  invisibles, 
Des  eorps  inanimes  et  des  etres  sensibles  ? 
Avez-vous  entendu  des  eaux,  des  pres,  des  bois. 
La  muette  eloquence  et  la  secrete  voix  ? 
Rendez-nous  ces  effets."  Les  Jardiiis,  Book  I. 


E  F  O  R  E  we  proceed  to  a  detailed,  and  more 
practical  consideration  of  the  subject,  let  us  oc- 
cupy ourselves  for  a  moment  with  the  con- 
sideration of  the  different  results  which  are 
to  be  sought  after,  or,  in  other  words,  what 
ss^  kinds  of  beauty  we  may  hope  to  produce  by 
Landscape  Gardening.  To  attempt  the  smallest  Avork  in  any 
art,  without  knowing  either  the  capacities  of  that  art,  or  the 


48 


LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 


schools,  or  modes,  by  which  it  has  previously  been  character- 
ized, is  but  to  be  groping  about  in  a  dim  twilight,  without 
the  power  of  knowing,  even  should  we  be  successful  in  our 
efforts,  the  real  excellence  of  our  production ;  or  of  judging  its 
merit,  comparatively,  as  a  work  of  taste  and  imagination. 


[Fig.  11.]    The  Geometric  style,  from  an  old  print. 


The  beauties  elicited  by  the  ancient  style  of  gar- 
dening were  those  of  regularity,  symmetry,  and  the  display 
of  laboured  art.  These  were  attained  in  a  merely  me- 
chanical manner,  and  usually  involved  little  or  no  theory. 
The  geometrical  form  and  lines  of  the  buildings, were  only 
extended  and  carried  out,  in  the  garden.  In  the  best 
classical  models,  the  art  of  the  sculptor  conferred  dignity 
and  elegance  on  the  garden,  by  the  fine  forms  of  marble 
vases,  and  statues ;  in  the  more  intricate  and  laboured 
specimens  of  the  Dutch  school,  prevalent  in  England  in  the 
time  of  William  IV.,  (Fig.  U,)  the  results  evince  a  fertility  of 


BEAUTIES  AND  PRINCIPLES  OF  THE  ART.       49 

odd  conceits,  rather  than  the  exercise  of  taste  or  imagination  ; 
and  to  level  ground  naturally  uneven,  or  to  make  an 
avenue,  by  planting  rows  of  trees  on  each  side  of  a  broad 
walk,  requires  only  the  simplest  perception  of  the  beauty  of 
mathematical  forms.  In  short,  to  lay  out  a  garden  in  the 
geometric  style,  was  little  more  than  a  formal  routine,  and  it 
was  only  after  the  superiour  interest  of  a  more  natural  man- 
ner was  enforced  by  men  of  genius,  that  beauty  of  expres- 
sion was  recognized,  and  Landscape  Gardening  was  raised 
to  the  rank  of  a  fine   art. 

The  ancient  style  of  gardening  may,  however,  be  intro- 
duced with  good  eifect  in  certain  cases.  In  public  squares 
and  gardens,  where  display,  grandeur  of  effect,  and  a  highly 
artificial  character  are  desirable,  it  appears  to  us  the  most 
suitable  ;  and  no  less  so  in  very  small  gardens,  in  which 
variety  and  irregularity  is  out  of  the  question.  Where  a  taste 
for  imitating  an  old  and  quaint  style  of  residence  exists,  the 
symmetrical,  and  knotted  garden,  would  be  a  proper 
accompaniment ;  and  pleached  alleys,  and  sheared  trees, 
would  be  admired,  like  old  armour,  as  curious  specimens  of 
antique  taste  and  custom. 

The  earliest  professors  of  modern  Landscape  Gardening, 
have  generally  agreed  upon  two  species  of  beauty,  of  which 
the  art  is  capable — variations  no  less  certainly  distinct,  on 
the  one  hand,  than  they  are  capable  of  intermingling  and 
combining,  on  the  other.  These  are  general^  and  picturesque 
beauty  :  or,  to  speak  more  definitely,  the  beauty  characterized 
by  simple  and  flowing  forms,  and  the  expressed  by  striking, 
irregular,  spirited  forms. 

The  admirer  of  nature,  as  well  as  the  lover  of  pictures  and 
engravings,  will  at  once  call  to  mind  examples  of  scenery 
distinctly  expressive  of  each  of  these  kinds  of  beauty.     In 

7 


50  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

nature,  perhaps  some  gently  undulating  plain  covered  with 
emerald  turf,  partially  or  entirely  encompassed  by  rich,  roll- 
ing outlines  of  forest  canopy, — its  widest  expanse  here  broken 
occasionally  by  noble  groups  of  round-headed  trees,  or  there 
interspersed  with  single  specimens  whose  trunks  support 
heads  of  foliage  flowing  in  outline,  or  drooping  in  masses  to 
the  very  turf  beneath  them.  In  such  a  scene  we  often  be- 
hold the  azure  of  heaven,  and  its  silvery  clouds,  as  well  as 
the  deep  verdure  of  the  luxuriant  and  shadowy  branches,  re- 
fl.ected  in  the  placid  bosom  of  a  sylvan  lake  ;  the  shores  of 
the  latter  swelling  out,  and  receding,  in  gently  curved 
lines  ;  the  banlfs,  sometimes  covered  with  soft  turf  sprinkled 
with  flowers,  and  in  other  portions  clothed  with  luxmiant 
masses  of  verdant  shrubs.  Here  are  all  the  elements  of  what 
is  termed  natural  beauty, — or  a  landscape  characterized  by 
simple,  easy,  and  flowing  lines. 

For  an  example  of  the  opposite  character,  let  us  take  a  stroll 
to  the  nearest  woody  glen  in  your  neighbourhood — perhaps 
a  romantic  valley,  half  shut  m  on  two  or  more  sides  by  steep 
rocky  banks,  partially  concealed  and  overhung  by  clustering 
vines,  and  tangled  thickets  of  deep  foliage.  Against  the  sky 
outline  breaks  the  wild  and  irregular  form  of  some  old,  half 
decayed  tree  near  by,  or  the  horizontal  and  unique  branches 
of  the  larch  or  the  pine,  with  their  strongly  marked  forms. 
Rough  and  irregular  stems  and  trunks,  rocks  half  covered 
with  mosses  and  flowering  plants,  open  glades  of  bright  ver- 
dure opposed  to  dark  masses  of  bold  shadowy  foliage,  form 
prominent  objects  in  the  foreground.  If  water  enlivens  the 
scene,  we  shall  hear  the  murmur  of  the  noisy  brook,  or  the 
cool  dashing  of  the  cascade,  as  it  leaps  over  the  rocky  barrier. 
Let  the  stream  turn  the  ancient  and  Avell  worn  wheel  of  the 
old  mill  in  the  middle  ground,  and  we  shall  have  an  illus- 


BEAUTIES    AND    PRINCIPLES    OP    THE    ART.  51. 

tration  of  picturesque  beauty,  not  the  less  striking  from  its 
familiarity  to  every  one. 

To  the  lover  of  the  fine  arts,  the  name  of  Claude  Lor- 
raine cannot  fail  to  suggest  examples  of  beauty  in  its  purest 
and  most  elegant  forms.  In  the  inimitable  pictures  of  this 
great  master,  we  see  portrayed  all  those  graceful  and  flowing 
forms,  and  all  that  finely  accordant  colouring,  which  delight 
so  much  the  mind  of  refilled  taste  and  sensibility — composi- 
tions emanating  from  a  beautifully  harmonious  soul,  and 
inspired  by  a  climate,  and  a  richness  of  nature  and  art, 
nowhere  surpassed. 

On  the  other  hand,  where  shall  we  find  all  the  elements  of 
the  picturesque,  more  graphically  combined,  than  in  the  vigo- 
rous landscapes  of  Salvator  Rosa !  In  those  rugged  scenes, 
even  the  lawless  aspects  of  his  favourite  robbers  and  ban- 
ditti, are  not  more  spirited  than  the  bold  rocks  and  wild 
passes  by  which  they  are  surrounded.  And  in  the  produc- 
tions of  his  pencil,  we  see  the  influence  of  a  romantic  and 
vigorous  imagination,  nursed  amid  scenes  teeming  with  the 
grand  as  well  as  the  picturesque — both  of  which  he  em- 
bodied in  the  most  striking  manner. 

In  giving  these  illustrations  of  general,  and  of  pictu- 
resque beauty,  we  have  not  intended  them  to  be  understood 
in  the  light  of  exact  models  for  imitation  in  Landscape  Gar- 
dening— only  as  striking  examples  of  expression  in  natural 
scenery.  Although  in  nature  many  landscapes  partake  in 
a  certain  degree  of  both  these  kinds  of  beauty,  yet  it  is  no 
doubt  true  that  the  effect  is  more  satisfactory,  where  either 
the  one  or  the  other  character  predominates.  The  accom- 
plished amateur,  should  be  able  to  seize  at  once  upon  the 
characteristics  of  these  two  species  of  beauty  in  all  scenery. 
To  assist  the  reader  in  this  kind  of  discrimination,  we  shall 


52  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

keep  these  expressions  constantly  in  view,  and  we  hope  we 
shall  be  able  fully  to  illustrate  the  difference  in  the  expression 
of  even  single  trees,  in  this  respect.  A  few  strongly  marked 
objects,  either  picturesque,  or  simply  beautiful,  will  often 
confer  their  character  upon  a  whole  landscape  ;  as  the  de- 
struction of  a  single  group  of  bold  rocks,  covered  with  wood, 
may  render  a  scene,  once  picturesque,  completely  insipid. 

The  early  writers  on  the  modern  style  were  content  with 
trees  allowed  to  grow  in  their  natural  forms,  and  with  an 
easy  assemblage  of  sylvan  scenery  in  the  pleasure-grounds, 
which  resembled  the  usual  woodland  features  of  nature. 
The  effect  of  this  method  will  always  be  interesting,  and  an 
agreeable  effect  will  ever  be  the  result  of  following  the 
simplest  hints  derived  from  the  free  and  luxuriant  forms  of 
nature.  No  residence  in  the  country  can  fail  to  be  pleasing, 
whose  features  are  natural  groups  of  forest  trees,  smooth 
lawn,  and  hard  gravel  walks. 

But  this  is  scarcely  Landscape  Gardening  in  the  true  sense 
of  the  word,  although  apparently  so  understood  by  many 
writers.  By  Landscape  Gardening,  we  miderstand  not  only 
an  imitation,  in  the  grounds  of  a  country  residence,  of  the 
general  forms  of  nature,  but  an  expressive^  harmonious^  and 
refined  imitation*   In  Landscape  Gardening,  we  should  aim 

*  "Thus,  there  is  a  beauty  of  nature  and  a  beauty  of  art.  To  copy  the 
beauty  of  nature  cannot  be  called  being  an  artist  in  the  highest  sense  of  the  word, 
as  a  mechanical  talent  only  is  requisite  for  this.  The  beautiful  in  art  depends 
on  ideas,  and  the  true  artist,  therefore,  must  possess,  together  with  the  talent 
for  technical  execution,  that  genial  power  which  revels  freely  in  rich  forms,  and 
is  capable  of  producing  and  animating  them.  It  is  by  this,  that  the  merit  of  the 
artist  and  his  production  is  to  be  judged;  and  these  cannot  be  properly  esti- 
mated among  those  barren  copyists  which  we  find  so  many  of  our  flower,  land- 
scape, and  portrait  painters  to  be.  But  the  artist  stands  much  higher  in  the 
scale,  who,  though  a  copyist  of  visible  nature,  is  capable  of  seizing  it  with  poetic 
feeling,  and  representing  it  in  its  more  dignified  sense ;  such  for  example  as 
Raphael,  Poussin,  Claude,  &c." — Weinbreuner. 


BEAUTIES    AND    PRINCIPLES    OF    THE    ART.  53 

to  separate  the  accidental,  and  extraneous  in  nature,  and  to 
preserve  only  the  spirit,  or  essence.  This  subtle  essence  lies, 
we  believe,  in  the  expression,  more  or  less  pervading  every 
attractive  portion  of  nature.  And  it  is  by  eliciting,  preser- 
ving, or  heightening  this  expression,  that  we  may  give  our 
landscape  gardens  a  higher  charm,  than  even  all  the  polish 
of  art  can  bestow. 

Now  the  two  expressions  in  nature  most  suitable  for 
imitation,  lie  in  Beauty's  flowing,  graceful  outlines ;  and  in 
the  irregular,  spirited  forms  of  the  Picturesque.  The 
Sublime,  and  the  Grand,  characters  that  abound  in  nature, 
scarcely  come  within  the  limits  of  artificial  imitation — 
certainly  not  in  the  extent  of  most  places  in  America. 

On  the  other  hand,  the  graceful,  and  the  picTUREsauE, 
are  characters  abounding  even  in  small  portions  of  nature. 
In  the  grounds  of  a  country  residence,  the  force  of  these 
expressions  may  often  be  greatly  increased.  Frequently  a 
group  of  trees,  a  rounded,  or  an  abrupt  knoll,  situated 
prominently,  will  give  a  hint  for  all  future  improvement. 

If  we  choose  a  bit  of  scenery  naturally  flowing  and 
beautiful  in  its  outlines,  we  heighten  that  expression  by  the 
refinements  of  care  and  culture  ;  by  our  smoothly  mown 
lawns,  curved  walks,  rich  groups  of  flowermg  shrubs  and 
trees.  If  we  fall  upon  a  picturesque  locality,  we  may  add 
to  its  charm,  both  by  the  removal  of  every  thing  inharmo- 
nious or  out  of  keeping,  and  by  winding  the  walks,  select- 
ing and  planting  the  shrubs  and  trees,  adapting  the  style 
of  the  buildings,  and,  in  short,  conducting  all  our  improve- 
ments, with  an  eye  to  picturesque  expression. 

There  is  no  surface  of  ground,  however  bare,  which  has 
not,  naturally,  more  or  less  tendency  to  one  or  the  other  of 
these  expressions.     And  the  improver  who  detects  the  true 


64  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING, 

character,  and  plants,  builds,  and  embellishes,  as  he  should — 
constantly  aiming  to  elicit  and  strengthen  it — will  soon 
arrive  at  a  far  higher  and  more  satisfactory  result,  than  one, 
who,  in  the  common  manner,  works  at  random.  The  latter 
may  succeed  in  producing  pleasing  grounds— he  will  un- 
doubtedly add  to  the  general  beauty  and  tasteful  appearance 
of  the  country,  and  we  gladly  accord  him  our  thanks.  But 
the  improver  who  unites  with  pleasing  forms,  an  expression 
of  sentiment,  will  affect  not  only  the  common  eye,  but,  much 
more  powerfully,  the  imagination,  and  the  refined  and  deli- 
cate taste. 

Expression  being  the  master  key  to  the  heart,  in  all  land- 
scapes, it  follows  that  the  highest  imitative  sphere  of  the  art 
of  Landscape  Gardening,  consists  in  arranging  the  materials 
so  as  to  awaken  emotions  of  grace,  elegance,  or  picturesque- 
ness,  joined  with  unity,  harmony,  and  variety,  more  distinct 
and  forcible,  than  are  suggested  by  natural  scenery.  This 
may,  at  first  sight,  seem  difficult,  to  the  mere  lover  of  nature  ; 
but  a  moment's  thought  will  convince  him,  that  the  very 
fact  of  art  and  man's  habitation  being  contrasted,  as  it  is 
in  a  Landscape  Garden,  with  a  natural  expression,  will  at 
once  heighten  the  force  of  the  latter.  The  sunny,  peaceful 
lake  is  less  smiling,  and  the  impetuous  mountain  cascade  less 
stirring,  when  we  cross  them  in  a  wild  journey,  than  Avhen 
they  open  upon  us,  unlooked  for,  in  the  luxuriant  grounds 
of  a  well  kept,  rural  home. 

With  these  views  regarding  expression  in  natural  scene- 
ry, we  shall  divide  the  modern  style  of  Landscape  Garden- 
ing into  two  kinds,  fomided  on  the  two  leading  expressions 
to  be  imitated,  viz :  the  graceful  and  the  picturesque  ; 
and,  these  two  divisions  having  each  their  especial  admirers, 
we  shall  distinguish  them  as  the  Graceful,  and  the  Pictu- 


I'ig.  12      Landscape  Gardening,  in  the  Graceful  Schocl. 


F'ig  13.     Landscape  G^dening,  in  the  Picturesque  School. 


BEAUTIES  AND  PRINCIPLES  OF  THE  ART.      55 

lesqiie  schools  of  the  art.*  We  have  already  suggested  that 
almost  all  our  comitiy  places  have,  naturally,  one  or  the 
other  of  these  characters  ;  and  the  unity  and  harmony — in 
short,  the  whole  beauty  and  success  of  improvements,  will 
depend  on  our  feeling  and  understanding  those  character- 
istics before  we  commence  exercising  our  taste.  The  fore- 
going hints  on  expression  in  wild  landscape,  will  perhaps 
assist  our  readers  in  reading  nature's  physiognomy.  Let 
lis  now  examine,  a  little,  the  character  of  the  two  schools 
founded  on  these  expressions. 

The  graceful  school  of  Landscape  Gardening,  (Fig. 
12,)  aims  at  the  production  of  outlines  whose  curves  are 
expressive  of  grace,  surfaces  of  softness,  and  growth  of 
richness  £md  luxuriance.  In  the  shape  of  the  ground,  it 
is  evinced  by  easy  undulations,  melting  gradually  into  each 
other.  In  the  form  of  trees,  by  smooth  stems,  full,  round 
or  symmetrical  heads  of  foliage,  and  luxuriant  branches, 

*  Taking  Landscape  Gardening,  as  we  do  in  this  country,  on  new  starting  ground, 
we  consider  ourselves  fairly  at  liberty  to  define,  and  clear  up,  the  confused  and 
cloudy  views  of  the  end  or  aim  of  imitation,  pervading  most  European  authors 
on  this  subject.  Price,  whose  work  on  the  Picturesque  (see  late  edition  of 
Sir  T.  Lauder,)  is  most  full  and  complete,  we  consider  the  master,  and  able 
exponent  of  the  Picturesque  school.  Repton,  who  advocates  in  his  works  a 
more  polished  and  cultivated  style,  (see  Loudon's  edition  of  Repton,)  we  hold  to 
be  the  first  authority  in  the  Graceful  School.  Mr.  Loudon's  Gardenesque  style, 
is  but  another  word  for  what  we  term  the  Graceful  school ;  except  that  we  con- 
sider the  latter  exemplified  in  all  flowing,  luxuriantly  developed  forms ;  while 
Mr.  Loudon,  who  prefers  mere  artistical  beauty  to  that  of  expression,  properly  limits 
the  gardenesque  to  artificial  planting  only.  The  distinction  between  the  picturesque, 
and  the  beautiful,  is  perhaps  open  to  some  difference  of  opinion,  and  all  Land- 
scape Gardening  aims  at  the  production  of  the  beautiful.  But  in  the  graceful  out- 
lines of  highly  cultivated  forms  of  trees,  and  beautiful  cur^-es  of  surface  and  walks, 
in  highly  polished  scenes,  lies  so  different  a  kind  of  beauty  from  that  of  the  irregu- 
lar ground,  trees,  etc.,  of  picturesque  landscape,  that  we  conceive  the  two  terms 
will  be  found,  at  least  for  the  moderate  scale  of  the  art  with  us,  at  once  precise 
and  significant 


56  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

often  drooping  to  the  ground, — which  is  chiefly  attained  by 
planting  and  grouping,  to  allow  free  development  of  form ; 
and  by  selecting  trees  of  suitable  character,  as  the  elm,  the 
ash,  and  the  like.  In  walks  and  roads,  by  easy  flowing 
curves,  following  natural  shapes  of  the  surface,  with  no 
sharp  angles  or  abrupt  turns.  In  water,  by  the  smooth  lake 
with  curved  margin,  embellished  with  flowing  groups  of 
trees,  and  full  masses  of  flowering  shrubs — or  in  the  easy 
winding  curves  of  a  brook.  The  keeping  of  such  a  scene 
should  be  of  the  most  polished  kind, — grass  mown  into  a 
softness  like  velvet,  gravel  walks  scrupulously  firm,  dry, 
and  clean,  and  the  most  perfect  order  and  neatness,  should 
reign  throughout.  Among  the  trees  and  shrubs,  should  be 
conspicuous  the  finest  foreign  sorts,  distinguished  by  beauty 
of  form,  foliage,  and  blossom ;  and  rich  groups  of  shrubs, 
and  flowering  plants,  should  be  arranged  in  the  more  dressed 
portions  near  the  house.  And  finally,  considering  the 
house  itself  as  a  feature  in  the  scene,  it  should,  properly, 
belong  to  one  of  the  classical  modes — the  Italian,  Tuscan, 
or  Yenetian  forms  are  preferable,  because  these  have  a 
domestic  air,  and  readily  admit  of  the  graceful  accompani- 
ments of  vases,  urns,  and  other  harmonious  accessories. 
Or,  if  we  are  to  have  a  plainer  dwelling,  it  should  be  sim- 
ple in  its  character,  and  its  veranda  may  be  festooned 
with  masses  of  the  finest  climbers. 

The  PicTUREsauE  School  of  Landscape  Gardening,  Fig. 
13,  aims  at  the  production  of  outlines  of  a  certain  spirited 
irregularity ;  surfaces,  comparatively  abrupt  and  broken ; 
and  growth,  of  a  somewhat  wild  and  bold  character.  The 
shape  of  the  ground  sought  after,  has  its  occasional  smooth- 
ness varied  by  sudden  variations,  and,  in  parts,  runs  into 
dingles,  rocky  groups,  and  broken  banks.     The  trees,  should. 


BEAUTIES    AND    PRINCIPLES    OF    THE    ART.  57 

in  many  places,  be  old  and  irregular,  with  rough  stems, 
and  bark ;  and  pines,  larches,  and  other  trees  of  striking, 
irregular  growth,  must  appear,  in  numbers  sufficient  to  give 
character  to  the  woody  outlines.  As,  in  the  Graceful  school 
the  trees  are  planted  singly,  in  open  groups,  to  allow  full 
expansion,  so  in  the  Picturesque  school,  the  grouping  takes 
every  variety  of  form ;  every  object  should  group  with 
another  ;  trees  and  shrubs  are  often  planted  closely  together  ; 
and  intricacy,  and  variety — thickets — glades — and  under- 
wood— as  in  wild  nature,  are  all  indispensable.  Walks  and 
roads  are  more  abrupt  in  their  windings,  turning  off  fre- 
quently at  sudden  angles,  where  the  form  of  the  ground,  or 
some  inviting  object,  directs.  In  water,  all  the  wildness  of 
romantic  spots  in  nature,  is  to  be  imitated  or  preserved ;  and 
the  lake  or  stream  with  bold  shore,  and  rocky,  wood-fringed 
margin,  or  the  cascade  in  the  secluded  dell,  are  the  character- 
istic forms.  The  keeping  of  such  a  landscape  will,  of  course, 
be  less  careful  than  in  the  graceful  school.  Firm  gravel 
walks  near  the  house,  and  a  general  air  of  neatness  in  that 
quarter,  are  indispensable  to  the  fitness  of  the  scene  in  all 
modes,  and,  indeed  properly  evince  the  recognition  of  art 
in  all  Landscape  Gardening.  But  the  lawn  may  be  less  fre- 
quently mown,  the  edges  of  the  walks  less  carefully  trimmed, 
in  the  picturesque  mode.  While  in  portions  more  removed 
from  the  house,  the  walks  may  sometimes  sink  into  a  mere 
footpath  without  gravel,  and  the  lawn  change  into  the  forest 
glade  or  meadow.  The  architecture  of  the  Picturesque 
school,  is  the  Gothic  mansion  and  old  English  cottage,  or  the 
Swiss,  or  some  other  bracketted  form,  with  bold  projection, 
deep  shadows,  and  irregular  outlines.  Rustic  baskets,  and 
similar  ornaments,  may  abound  near  the  house,  and  in  the 
more  frequented  parts  of  the  place. 


58  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

The  recognition  of  art,  as  Loudon  justly  observes,  is  a 
first  principle  in  Landscape  Gardening,  as  in  all  other  arts  ; 
and  those  of  its  professors  have  erred,  who  supposed  that 
the  object  of  this  art  is,  merely,  to  produce  a  fac-simile  of 
nature,  that  could  not  be  distinguished  from  a  wild  scene. 
But  we  contend  that  this  principle  may  be  equally  attained 
in  either  school — the  picturesque  cottage  being  as  much  a 
work  of  art,  as  the  classic  villa ;  its  baskets,  and  seats  of 
rustic  work,  indicating  the  hand  of  man,  as  well  as  the 
marble  vase,  and  balustrade  ;  and  a  walk,  sometimes  narrow 
and  crooked,  is  as  quickly  recognized  as  man's  work,  as  one 
always  regular  and  flowing.  Foreign  trees,  of  picturesque 
growth,  are  as  readily  obtained,  as  those  of  graceful  forms. 
The  recognition  of  art  is,  therefore,  always  apparent  in  both 
modes.  The  evidences  are  indeed  stronger,  and  more  multi- 
plied, in  the  careful  polish  of  the  Graceful  school ;  and 
looking  at  the  effects,  with  this  principle  mainly  in  view,  as 
many  persons  will,  whose  only  standard  is  cost  and  expense, 
this  school  must  be  acknowledged  the  most  beautiful  and 
perfect.*  But,  assuming  the  principle  of  beauty  of  expres- 
sion to  be  the  higher,  many  imaginative  persons  will  prefer 
the  picturesque  school,  as  affecting  the  mind  with  much  of 
the  peculiar  beauty  of  wild  nature,  combined  with  the  ad- 

*  The  heau  ideal  in  Landscape  Gardening,  as  a  fine  art,  appears  to  us,  to  be  em- 
braced in  the  creation  of  scenery  expressive  of  a  peculiar  kind  of  beauty,  as 
the  graceful,  or  picturesque,  the  materials  of  which  are,  to  a  certain  extent, 
different  from  those  in  wild  nature,  being  composed  of  the  floral  and  arboricul- 
tural  riches  of  all  climates,  as  far  as  possible ;  uniting,  in  the  same  scene,  a 
richness  and  a  variety  never  to  be  found  in  any  one  portion  of  nature  ; — a  scene 
characterized  as  a  work  of  art,  by  the  variety  of  the  materials,  as  foreign  trees, 
plants,  &c.,  and  by  the  polish  and  keeping  of  the  grounds  in  the  natural  style, 
as  distinctly  as  by  the  uniform  and  symmetrical  arrangement,  in  the  ancient 
style. 


BEAUTIES    AND    PRINCIPLES    OF    THE    ART.  59 

vantages  of  a  suitable  convenience  for  habitation.  A  certain 
artist-like  feeling  is  necessary,  to  enable  one  to  relish  the 
picturesque.  For  this  reason,  the  many,  see  and  feel  the 
power  of  beauty  in  her  graceful,  flowing  forms ;  but  it  is 
only  the  imaginative  few,  who  appreciate  her  more  free 
and  spirited  charms.  There  are  perhaps  a  thousand,  who 
admire  the  smoothness,  softness,  and  flowing  outlines,  that 
predominate  in  the  lawn  and  pleasure  grounds,  as  we  usually 
see  them,  where  there  is  one  who  would  prefer  a  cottage  in 
a  highly  irregular  and  picturesque  valley,  or  a  castle  on  a 
rocky  crag ;  though  the  latter,  may,  to  certain  minds,  be 
incomparably  more  enchanting. 

We   shall,  therefore,    keep   distinctly   in  view  the  two 
schools,  in  treating  of  the  practice  of  the  art.     There  are 
always,  circumstances  which  must  exert  a  controlling  influ- 
ence over  amateurs,  in  this  country,  in  choosing  between  the 
two.     These  are,  fixed  locality,  expense,  individual  prefer- 
ence in  style  of  building,  and  many  others  which  readily 
occur  to  all.     The  great  variety  of  attractive  sites,  in   the 
older  parts  of  the  country,  afford  an  abundance  of  indica- 
tions for  either  taste.     Within  the  last  five  years,  we  think 
the  picturesque  is  beginning  to  be  preferred.     It  has,  when 
a  suitable  locality  offers,  great  advantages  for  us.     The  raw 
materials  of  wood,  water,  and  surface,  by  the  margin  of 
many  of  our  rivers  and  brooks,  are  at  once  appropriated 
with  so  much  effect,  and  so  little  art,  in  the  picturesque 
mode ;  the  annual  tax  on  the  purse  too,  is  so  comparatively 
little,  and  the  charm  so  great ! 

On  the  other  hand,  the  residences  of  a  country  of  level 
plains,  usually  allow  only,  the  beauty  of  simple,  and  graceful 
forms ;  and  the  larger  demesne,  with  its  swelling  hills  and 
noble  masses  of  wood,  (may  we  not,  prospectively,  say  the 


60  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

prairie  too,)  should  always,  in  the  hands  of  the  man  of 
wealth,  be  made  to  display  all  the  freeness  and  beauty  of  the 
Graceful  school. 

But  there  are  many  persons  with  small,  cottage  places, 
of  little  decided  character,  who  have  neither  room,  time, 
nor  income,  to  attempt  the  improvement  of  their  grounds 
fully,  after  either  of  those  two  schools.  How  shall  they 
render  their  places  tasteful  and  agreeable,  in  the  easiest 
manner  ?  We  answer,  hy  attempting  07ily  the  simple  and 
the  natural ;  and  the  unfailing  way  to  secure  this,  is  by 
employing  only  trees  and  grass.  A  soft  verdant  lawn,  and 
a  few  forest  or  ornamental  trees,  well  grouped,  give  miiversal 
pleasm-e — they  contain  in  themselves,  in  fact,  the  basis  of 
all  our  agreeable  sensations  in  a  landscape  garden — (natural 
beauty,  and  the  recognition  of  art,)  and  they  are  the  most 
enduring  sources  of  enjoyment  in  any  place.  There  are 
no  comitry  seats,  in  the  United  States,  so  unsatisfactory  and 
tasteless  as  those  in  which,  without  any  definite  aim,  every 
thing  is  attempted ;  and  a  mixed  jumble  of  discordant  forms, 
materials,  ornaments,  and  decorations,  is  assembled — a  part 
in  one  style  and  a  bit  from  another,  without  the  least  feelmg 
of  unity,  or  congruity.  These  rural  bedlams,  full  of  all 
kinds  of  absurdities,  without  a  leading  character  or  expres- 
sion of  any  sort,  cost  their  owners  a  vast  deal  of  trouble, 
and  money,  without  giving  a  tasteful  mind,  a  shadow  of 
the  beauty  which  it  feels,  at  the  first  glimpse  of  a  neat  cot- 
tage residence,  with  its  simple,  sylvan  character  of  well  kept 
lawn  and  trees.  If  the  latter  does  not  rank  high  in  the 
scale  of  Landscape  Gardening,  as  an  art,  it  embodies  much  of 
its  essence,  as  a  source  of  enjoyment — the  production  of  the 
beautiful  in  country  residences. 

Besides  the   beauties  of  form  and  expression  in  the  diffe- 


BEAUTIES  AND  PRINCIPLES  OF  THE  ART,      61 

rent  modes  of  laying  out  groimds,  there  are  certain  universal 
and  inherent  beauties,  common  to  all  styles,  and,  indeed, 
to  every  composition  in  the  fine  arts.  Of  these,  we  shall  es- 
pecially point  out  those  growing  out  of  the  principles  of 

UNITY,  HARMONY,    and  VARIETY. 

Unity,  or  ihe  production  of  a  whole,  is  a  leading  principle 
of  the  highest  importance,  in  every  art  of  taste  or  design, 
without  which,  no  satisfactory  result  can  be  realized.  This 
arises  from  the  fact,  that  the  mind  can  only  attend,  with  plea- 
sure and  satisfaction,  to  one  object,  or  one  composite  sensation, 
at  the  same  time.  If  two  distinct  objects,  or  class  of  objects 
present  themselves  at  once  to  us,  we  can  only  attend  satisfac- 
torily to  one,  by  withdrawing  our  attention,  for  the  time,  from 
the  other.  Hence  the  necessity  of  a  reference  to  this  leading 
principle  of  unity. 

To  illustrate  the  subject,  let  us  suppose  a  building,  partially 
built  of  wood,  with  square  windows,  and  the  remainder  of 
brick  or  stone,  with  long  and  narrow  windows.  However 
well  such  a  building  may  be  constructed,  or  however  nicely 
the  different  proportions  of  the  edifice  may  be  adjusted,  it  is 
evident,  it  can  never  form  a  satisfactory  whole.  The  mind 
can  only  account  for  such  an  absurdity,  by  supposing  it  to 
have  been  built  by  two  individuals,  or  at  two  different  times, 
as  there  is  nothing  indicating  an  unity  of  mind  in  its  com- 
position. 

In  Landscape  Gardening,  violations  of  the  principle  of  unity 
are  often  to  be  met  with,  and  they  are  always  indicative  of 
the  absence  of  correct  taste  in  art.  Looking  upon  a  landscape 
from  the  windows  of  a  villa  residence,  we  sometimes  see  a 
considerable  portion  of  the  view  embraced  by  the  eye,  laid 
out  in  natural  groups  of  trees  and  shrubs,  and  upon  one  side, 
or,  perhaps,  in  the  middle  of  the  same  scene,  a  formal  avenue 


62  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

leading  directly  up  to  the  house.  Such  a  view  can  never 
appear  a  satisfactory  whole,  because  we  experience  a  con- 
fusion of  sensations  in  contemplating  it.  There  is  an 
evident  incongruity  in  bringing  two  modes  of  arranging 
plantations,  so  totally  different,  under  the  eye  at  one  moment, 
which  distracts,  rather  than  pleases  the  mind.  In  this  exam- 
ple, the  avenue,  taken  by  itself,  may  be  a  beautiful  object,  and 
the  groups  and  connected  masses  may,  in  themselves,  be  ele- 
gant, yet  if  the  two  portions  are  seen  together,  they  will  not 
form  a  whole,  because  they  cannot  make  a  composite  idea. 
For  the  same  reason,  there  is  something  unpleasing  in  the 
introduction  of  fruit  trees  among  elegant  ornamental  trees 
on  a  lawn,  or  even  in  assembling  together,  in  the  same  beds, 
flowering  plants,  and  culinary  vegetables — one  class  of 
vegetation  suggesting  the  useful,  and  homely,  alone  to  the 
mind,  and  the  other,  avowedly,  only  the  ornamental. 

In  the  arrangement  of  a  large  extent  of  surface,  where  a 
great  many  objects  are  necessarily  presented  to  the  eye  at 
once,  the  principle  of  unity  will  suggest  that  there  should  be 
some  grand  or  leading  features  to  which  the  others  should  be 
merely  subordinate.  Thus,  in  grouping  trees,  there  should 
be  some  large  and  striking  masses  to  which  the  others  appear 
to  belong,  however  distant,  instead  of  scattered  groups,  all 
of  the  same  size.  Even  in  arranging  walks,  a  whole  will 
more  readily  be  recognized,  if  there  are  one  or  two,  of  large 
size,  with  which  the  others  appear  connected  as  branches, 
than  if  all  are  equal  in  breadth,  and  present  the  same 
appearance  to  the  eye  in  passing. 

In  all  works  of  art  which  command  universal  admiration, 
we  discover  an  unity  of  conception  and  composition,  an  unity 
of  taste  and  execution.  To  assemble  in  a  single  composition, 
forms  which  are  discordant,  and  portions  dissimilar  in  plan, 


BEAUTIES  AND  PRINCIPLES  OF  THE  ART.      63 

can  only  aiFord  pleasure  for  a  short  time,  to  tasteless  minds,  or 
those  fond  of  trifling  and  puerile  conceits.  The  production 
of  an  accordant  whole,  is,  on  the  contrary,  capable  of  affording 
the  most  permanent  enjoyment  to  educated  minds,  every 
where,  and  at  all  periods  of  time. 

After  imity,  the  principle  of  Variety  is  worthy  of  con- 
sideration, as  a  fertile  source  of  beauty  in  Landscape  Garden- 
ing. Variety  must  be  considered  as  belonging  more  to  the 
details,  than  to* the  production  of  a  whole;  and  it  may  be 
attained  by  disposing  trees  and  shrubs  in  numerous  different 
ways ;  and  by  the  introduction  of  a  great  number  of 
different  species  of  vegetation,  or  kinds  of  walks,  ornamental 
objects,  buildings  and  seats.  By  producing  intricacy,  it 
creates  in  scenery  a  thousand  points  of  interest,  and  elicits  new 
beauties,  through  different  arrangements  and  combinations 
of  forms  and  colours,  light  and  shades.  In  pleasure-grounds, 
while  the  whole  should  exhibit  a  general  plan,  the  different 
scenes  presented  to  the  eye,  one  after  the  other,  should  pos- 
sess sufficient  variety  in  the  detail,  to  keep  alive  the  interest 
of  the  spectator,  and  awaken  further  curiosity. 

Harmony  may  be  considered  the  principle  presiding  over 
variety,  and  preventing  it  from  becoming  discordant.  It, 
indeed,  always  supposes  contrasts^  but  neither  so  strong,  nor 
so  frequent,  as  to  produce  discord ;  and  variety^  but  not  so 
great,  as  to  destroy  a  leading  expression.  In  plantations,  we 
seek  it  in  a  combination  of  qualities,  opposite  in  some  re- 
spects, as  in  the  colour  of  the  foliage,  and  similar  in  others, 
as  the  form.  In  embellishments,  by  a  great  variety  of 
objects  of  interest,  as  sculptured  vases,  sun  dials,  or  rustic 
seats,  baskets,  and  arbors,  of  different  forms,  but  all  in 
accordance,  or  keeping,  with  the  spirit  of  the  scene. 

To  illustrate  the  three  principles,  with  reference  to  Land- 


64  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

scape  Gardening,  we  may  remark,  that,  if  imity,  only,  were 
consulted,  :a  scene  might  be  planted  with  but  one  kind  of 
tree,  the  effect  of  which  would  be  sameness  ;  on  the  other 
hand,  variety  might  be  carried  so  far  as  to  have  every  tree 
of  a  different  kind,  which  would  produce  a  confused  effect. 
Harmony,  however,  introduces  contrast,  and  variety,  but 
keeps  them  subordinate  to  unity,  and  to  the  leading  expres- 
sion, and  is,  thus,  the  highest  principle  of  the  three. 

In  this  brief  abstract  of  the  nature  of  imitation  in  Land- 
scape Gardening,  and  the  kinds  of  beauty  which  it  is  possible 
to  produce  by  means  of  the  art,  we  have  endeavoured  to  elu- 
cidate its  leading  principles,  clearly,  to  the  reader.  These 
grand  principles  we  shall  here  succinctly  recapitulate, 
premising,  that  a  familiarity  with  them  is  of  the  very  first 
importance  in  the  successful  practice  of  this  elegant  art,  viz. 

The  Imitation  of  the  Beauty  op  Expression, 
derived  from  a  refined  perception  of  the  sentiment  of  na- 
ture :  The  Recognition  of  Art,  founded  on  the  immu- 
tability of  the  true,  as  well  as  the  beautiful :  And  the 
Production  of  Unity,  Harmony,  and  Variety,  m 
order  to  render  complete,  and  continuous,  our  enjoyment 
of  any  artistical  work. 

Neither  the  professional  Landscape  Gardener,  nor  the  ama- 
teur, can  hope  for  much  success  in  realizing  the  nobler  effects 
of  the  art,  miless  he  first  make  himself  master  of  the  natural 
character,  or  prevailing  expression,  of  the  place  to  be  im- 
proved. In  this  nice  perception,  at  a  glance,  of  the  natural 
expression,  as  well  as  the  capabilities  of  a  residence,  lies  the 
secret  of  the  superior  results  produced  even  by  the  improver, 
who,  to  use  the  words  of  Horace  Walpole,  "  is  proud  of  no 
other  art  than  that  of  softening  nature's  harshness,  and  copy- 
ing her  graceful  touch."     When  we  discover  the  picturesque, 


BEAUTIES  AND  PRINCIPLES  OF  THE  ART.       65 

indicated  in  the  grounds  of  the  residence  to  be  treated,  let  us 
take  advantage  of  it ;  and  while  all  harshness  incompatible 
with  scenery  near  the  house  is  removed,  the  original  expres- 
sion may  in  most  cases  be  heightened,  in  all,  rendered  more 
elegant  and  appropriate,  without  lowering  it  in  force  or  spirit. 
In  like  manner  good  taste  will  direct  us  to  embellish  scenery 
expressive  of  graceful  beauty,  by  the  addition  of  forms, 
whether  in  trees,  buildings,  or  other  objects,  harmonious  in 
character,  as  well  as  in  colour  and  outline. 


66  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 


SECTION  III. 


ON   WOOD. 


The  beauty  of  Trees  in  Rural  Embellishments.  Pleasure  resulting  from  their  cultivation. 
Plantations  in  the  Ancient  Style  ;  their  formality.  In  the  Modern  Style  j  grouping  trees. 
Arrangement  and  grouping  in  the  Graceful  school ;  in  the  Picturesque  school.  Illustra- 
tions in  planting  villa,  ferme  ornee,  and  cottage  grounds.  General  classification  of  trees 
as  to  forms,  with  leading  characteristics  of  each  class. 

"  He  gains  all  points,  who  pleasingly  confounds, 
Surprises,  varies,  and  conceals  the  bounds. 
Calls  in  the  country,  catches  opening  glades, 
Joins  willing  woods,   and  varies  shades  from  shades; 
Now  breaks,  or  now  directs  the  intending  lines; 
Paints  as  you  plant,  and,  as  you  work,  designs." 

Pope. 


M  O  N  G  all  the  materials  at  our  disposal 
for  the  embellishment  of  coimtry  residences, 
•none  are  at  once  so  highly  ornamental,  so 
indispensable,  and  so  easily  managed,  as  trees,  or  icood.  We 
introduce  them  in  every  part  of  the  landscape, — in  the  fore- 
ground as  well  as  in  the  distance,  on  the  tops  of  the  hills  and 
in  the  depths  of  the  valleys.  They  are,  indeed,  like  the 
drapery  which  covers  a  somewhat  ungainly  figure,  and  while 
it  conceals  its  defects,  communicates  to  it  new  interest  and 
expression. 

A  tree,  undoubtedly,  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  objects  in 
nature.     Airy  and  delicate  in  its  youth,  luxuriant  and  majestic 


ON   WOOD    AND    PLANTATIONS.  67 

in  its  prime,  venerable  and  picturesque  in  its  old  age,  it  con  • 
stitutes  in  its  various  forms,  sizes,  and  developments,  the 
greatest  charm  and  beauty  of  the  earth  in  all  countries.  The 
most  varied  outline  of  surface,  the  finest  combination  of  pic- 
tm-esque  materials,  the  stateliest  country  house  would  be  com- 
paratively tame  and  spiritless,  without  the  inimitable  ac- 
companiment of  foliage.  Let  those  who  have  passed  their 
whole  lives  in  a  richly  wooded  country, — whose  daily 
visions  are  deep  leafy  glens,  forest  clad  hills,  and  plains 
luxuriantly  shaded, — transport  themselves  for  a  moment  to 
the  desert,  where  but  a  few  stunted  bushes  raise  their 
heads  above  the  earth,  or  those  wild  steppes  where  the  eye 
wanders  in  vain  for  some  "  leafy  garniture," — ^where  the  sun 
strikes  down  with  parching  heat,  or  the  wind  sweeps  over 
with  unbroken  fury,  and  they  may  perhaps  estimate,  by 
contrast,  their  beauty  and  value. 

We  are  not  now  to  enumerate  the  great  usefulness  of 
trees, — their  value  in  the  construction  of  our  habitations,  our 
navies,  the  various  implements  of  labour, — in  short,  the 
thousand  associations  which  they  suggest  as  ministering  to 
our  daily  wants ;  but  let  us  imagine  the  loveliest  scene,  the 
wildest  landscape,  or  the  most  enchanting  valley,  despoiled  of 
trees,  and  we  shall  find  nature  shorn  of  her  fair  proportions, 
and  the  character  and  expression  of  these  favourite  spots 
almost  entirely  destroyed. 

Wood,  in  its  many  shapes,  is  then  one  of  the  great  sources 
of  interest  and  character  in  Landscapes.  Variety,  which  we 
need  scarcely  allude  to  as  a  fertile  source  of  beauty,  is  created 
in  a  wonderful  degree  by  a  natural  arrangement  of  trees. 
To  a  pile  of  buildings,  or  even  of  ruins,  to  a  group  of 
rocks,  or  animals,  they  communicate  new  life  and  spirit 
by  their  irregular  outlines,  which,  by  partially  concealing 


68  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

some  portions,  and  throwing  others  into  stronger  Ught,  con- 
tribute greatly  to  produce  intricacy  and  variety,  and  con- 
fer an  expression,  which,  without  these  latter  qualities,  might 
in  a  great  measure  be  wanting.  By  shutting  out  some  parts, 
and  enclosing  others,  they  divide  the  extent  embraced  by  the 
eye,  into  a  hundred  different  landscapes,  instead  of  one  tame 
scene  bounded  by  the  horizon. 

The  different  seasons  of  the  year,  too,  are  inseparably  con- 
nected in  our  muids  with  the  effects  produced  by  them  on 
woodland  scenery.  Spring  is  joyous  and  enlivening  to  us, 
as  nature  then  puts  on  her  fresh  lively  of  green  and  the  trees 
bud  and  blossom  with  a  renewed  beauty,  that  speaks  with  a 
mute  and  gentle  eloquence  to  the  heart.  In  summer  they 
fFer  us  a  grateful  shelter  under  their  umbrageous  arms  and 
leafy  branches,  and  whisper  unwritten  music  to  the  passing 
breeze  :  in  autumn  we  feel  a  melancholy  thoughtfulness  as 

"  We  stand  among  the  fallen  leaves," 

and  gaze  upon  their  dying  glories.  And  in  winter  we  see 
in  them  the  silent  rest  of  natiu-e,  and  behold  in  their  leaf- 
less spray,  and  seemingly  dead  limbs,  an  annual  type  of  that 
deeper  mystery — the  deathless  sleep  of  all  being. 

By  the  judicious  employment  of  trees  in  the  embellishment 
of  a  country  residence,  we  may  effect  the  greatest  alterations 
and  improvements  within  the  scope  of  Landscape  Gardening. 
Buildings  which  are  tame,  insipid,  or  even  mean  in  appear- 
ance, may  be  made  interestmg,  and  often  picturesque,  by  a 
proper  disposition  of  trees.  Edifices,  or  parts  of  them  that  are 
unsightly,  or  which  it  is  desirable  partly  or  wholly  to  con- 
ceal, can  readily  be  hidden  or  improved  by  wood ;  and  walks 
and  roads,  which  otherwise  would  be  but  simple  ways  of  ap- 
proach from  one  point  to  another,  are,  by  an  elegant  arrange- 


ON    WOOD    AND    PLANTATIONS.  69 

merit  of  trees  on  their  margins,  or  adjacent  to  them,  made  the 
most  interesting  and  pleasing  portions  of  the  residence. 

In  Geometric  gardening,  trees  disposed  in  formal  lines,  ex- 
hibit as  strongly  art,  or  design,  in  the  contriver,  as  regular 
architectural  edifices  ;  while,  in  a  more  elevated  and  enlight- 
ened taste,  we  are  able  to  dispose  them  in  our  pleasure-grounds 
and  parks,  around  our  houses,  in  all  the  variety  of  groups, 
masses,  thicket,  and  single  trees,  in  such  a  manner  as  to  rival 
the  most  beautiful  scenery  of  general  nature ;  producing 
a  portion  of  landscape,  which  unites  with  all  the  comforts 
and  conveniences  of  rural  habitation,  the  superiour  charm  of 
refined  arrangement,  and  natural  beauty  of  expression. 

If  it  were  necessary  to  present  any  other  inducement  to  the 
country  gentleman  to  form  plantations  of  trees,  than  the  great 
beauty  and  value  which  they  add  to  his  estate,  we  might  find 
it  in  the  pleasure  which  all  derive  from  their  cultivation. 
Unlike  the  pleasure  arising  from  the  gratification  of  our  taste 
in  architecture,  or  any  other  of  the  arts  whose  productions  are 
otfered  to  us  perfect  and  complete,  the  satisfaction  arising 
from  planting  and  rearing  trees  is  never  weakened.  "  We 
look,"  says  a  writer,  "  upon  our  trees  as  our  offspring  ;  and 
nothing  of  inanimate  nature  can  be  more  gratifying  than  to 
see  them  grow  and  prosper  under  our  care  and  attention, — 
nothing  more  interesting  than  to  examine  their  progress,  and 
mark  their  several  peculiarities.  In  their  progress  from  plants 
to  trees,  they  every  year  unfold  new  and  characteristic  marks 
of  their  ultimate  beauty,  which  not  only  compensate  for  past 
cares  and  troubles,  but  like  the  returns  of  gratitude,  raise  a 
most  delightful  tram  of  sensations  in  the  mind  ;  so  innocent 
and  rational,  that  they  may  justly  rank  with  the  most  exqui- 
site of  human  enjoyments." 


70  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

"  Happy  is  he,  who  in  a  country  life 
Shuns  more  perplexing  toil  and  jarring  strife  ; 
Who  lives  upon  the  natal  soil  he  loves, 
And  sits  beneath  his  old  ancestral  groves." 

To  this,  let  us  add  the  complacent  feelings,  with  which  a  man 
in  old  age,  may  look  around  him  and  behold  these  leafy  mon- 
archs,  planted  by  his  boyish  hands,  and  nursed  by  him  in  his 
youthful  years,  which  have  grown  aged  and  venerable  along 
with  him  ; 

"  A  wood  coeval  vdth  himself  he  sees, 
And  loves  his  own  contemporary  trees." 

Plantations  in  the  Ancient  Style.  In  the  ar- 
rangement and  culture  of  trees  and  plants  in  the  ancient 
style  of  Landscape  Gardening,  we  discover  the  evidences 
of  the  formal  taste, — abounding  with  eveiy  possible  variety 
of  quaint  conceits,  and  rife  with  whimsical  expedients, 
so  much  in  fashion  during  the  days  of  Henry  and  Eliza- 
beth, and  mitil  the  eighteenth  century  in  England,  and 
which  is  still  the  reigning  mode  in  Holland,  and  parts  of 
France.  In  these  gardens,  natm-e  was  tamed  and  subdued,  or 
as  some  critics  will  have  it,  tortured  into  every  shape  which 
the  ingenuity  of  the  gardener  could  suggest ;  and  such  kinds 
of  vegetation  as  bore  the  shears  most  patiently,  and  when 
carefully  trimmed,  assumed  gradually  the  appearance  of 
verdant  statues,  pyramids,  crowing  cocks,  and  rampant  lions, 
were  the  especial  favourites  of  the  gardeners  of  the  old 
school.*  The  stately  etiquette,  and  courtly  precision  of  the 
manners  of  our  English  ancestors,  extended  into  their  gardens, 

*The  unique  ideal  of  the  "  Garden  of  Eden,"  by  one  of  the  old  Dutch  painters, 
with  sheared  hedges,  formal  alleys,  and  geometric  plots  of  flowers,  for  the 
entertainment  of  our  first  parents,  is,  doubtless,  familiar  to  our  readers. 


ON    WOOD    AND    PLANTATIONS.  71 

and  was  reflected  back  by  the  very  trees  which  lined  their 
avenues,  and  the  shrubs  which  surrounded  their  houses. 
"  Nonsuch,  Theobalds,  Greenwich,  Hampton  Court,  Hatfield, 
Moor-Park,  Chatsworth,  Beaconsfield,  Cashiobury,  Ham,  and 
many  another,"  says  William  Howitt,  "  stood  in  all  that 
stately  formality  which  Henry  and  Elizabeth  admired ;  and  in 
which  our  Surrys,  Leicesters,  Essexes,  the  splendid  nobles 
of  the  Tudor  dynasty,  the  gay  ladies  and  gallants  of  Charles 
H.'s  court,  had  walked  and  talked, — fluttering  in  glittering 
processions,  or  flirting  in  green  alleys  and  bowers  of  topiary 
work,  and  amid  figures,  in  lead  or  stone,  fountains,  cascades,  -^ 
copper-trees  dropping  sudden  showers  on  the  astonished  pas- 
sers under,  stately  terraces  with  gilded  balustrades,  and  cu- 
rious quincunx,  obelisks,  and  pyramids  ; — fitting  objects  of 
admiration  of  those  who  Avalked  in  high  heeled  shoes,  rufls 
and  fardingales,  with  fan  in  hand,  or  in  trunk  hose  and  laced 
doublet." 

Symmetrical  uniformity  governed,  with  despotic  power, 
even  the  trees  and  foliage,  in  the  ancient  style.  In  the 
more  simple  country  residences,  the  plantations  were  al- 
ways arranged  in  some  regular  lines  or  geometrical  figures. 
Long  parallel  rows  of  trees  were  planted,  for  groves  and 
avenues,  along  the  principal  roads  and  walks.  The  greatest 
care  was  taken  to  avoid  any  appearance  of  irregularity.  A 
tree  upon  one  side  of  the  house,  was  opposed  by  another 
vis  a  vis,  and  a  row  of  trees  at  the  right  of  the  mansion  had 
its  always  accompanying  row  on  the  left :  or,  as  Pope  in 
his  Satire  has  more  rythmically  expressed  it — 
« 

Grove  nods  at  grove,  each  alley  has  its  brother, 
And  half  the  platform  just  reflects  the  other. 

In  the  interior  of  the  park,  the  plantations  were  generally 


72 


LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 


disposed,  either  in  straight  avenues  crossing  each  other,  or 
clumped  in  the  form  of  circles,  stars,  squares,  etc. ;  and  long 
vistas  were  obtained  through  the  avenues  divaricating  from 
the  house  in  various  directions,  over  level  surfaces.  One  of 
the  favourite  fancies  of  the  geometric  gardener,  was  the  La- 
byrinth, (fig.  14,)  of  which  a  few  celebrated  examples  are  still 
in  existence  in  England,  and  which  consisted  of  a  multitude 
of  trees  thickly  planted  in  impervious  hedges,  covering  some- 
times several  acres  of  ground.  These  labyrinths  were  the 
source  of  much  amusement  to  the  family  and  guests,  the  trial 
of  skill  being  to  find  the  centre,  and  from  that  point  to  re- 
turn again  without  assistance ;  and  we  are  told  by  a  historian 
of  the  garden  of  that  period,  that  "  the  stranger  having  once 
entered,  was  sorely  puzzled  to  get  out." 


[Pig.  14.    A  Labyrinth.] 

Since  the  days  when  these  gardens  were  in  their  glory  the 
taste  in  Landscape  Gardening  has  undergone  a  great  change. 
The  graceful,  and  the  pictulresque,  are  the  new  elements 
of  beauty,  which,  entering  into  the  composition  of  our 
gardens  and  home  landscapes,  have,  to  refined  minds,  in- 
creased a  hundred  fold  the  enjoyment  derived  from  this  spe- 
cies of  rural  scenery.  Still,  there  is  much  to  admire  in  the 
ancient  style.     Its  long  and  majestic  avenues,  the  wide- 


ON    WOOD    AND    PLANTATIONS.  73 

Spreading  branches  interlacing  over  our  heads,  and  forming 
long,  shadowy  aisles,  are,  themselves  alone,  among  the  noblest 
and  most  imposing  sylvan  objects.  Even  the  formal  and  cu- 
riously knotted  gardens,  are  interesting,  from  the  pleasing  as- 
sociations which  they  suggest  to  the  mind,  as  having  been 
the  favourite  haunts  of  Shakspeare,  Bacon,  Spenser,  and 
Milton.  They  are  so  inseparably  comiected,  too,  in  our 
imaginations,  with  the  quaint  architecture  of  that  era,  that 
wherever  that  style  of  building  is  adopted,  (and  we  observe 
several  examples  already  among  us,)  this  style  of  gardening 
may  be  considered  as  highly  appropriate,  and  in  excellent 
keeping  with  such  a  country  house. 

It  has  been  remarked,  that  the  geometric  style  would  al- 
ways be  preferred  in  a  new  country,  or  in  any  country  where 
the  amount  of  land  under  cultivation  is  much  less  than  that 
covered  with  natural  woods  and  forests  ;  as  the  inhabitants 
being  surrounded  by  scenery  abounding  with  natural  beauty, 
would  always  incline  to  lay  out  their  gardens  and  pleasure- 
grounds  in  regular  forms,  because  the  distinct  exhibition  of 
art  would  give  more  pleasure  by  contrast,  than  the  ele- 
gant imitation  of  beautiful  nature.  That  this  is  true  as 
regards  the  mass  of  micultivated  minds,  we  do  not  deny. 
But  at  the  same  time  we  affirm  that  it  evinces  a  meagre  taste, 
and  a  lower  state  of  the  art,  or  a  lower  perception  of  beauty 
in  the  individual  who  employs  the  geometrical  style  in  such 
cases.  A  person,  whose  place  is  surrounded  by  inimitably 
grand,  or  sublime  scenery,  would  undoubtedly  fail  to  excite 
our  admiration,  by  attempting  a  fac-simile  imitation  of  such 
scenery,  on  the  small  scale  of  a  park  or  garden  ;  but  he  is  not, 
therefore,  obliged  to  resort  to  right-lined  plantations,  and  regu- 
lar grass  plots,  to  produce  something  Vvrhich  shall  be,  at  once 
sufficiently  different  to  attract  notice,  and  so  beautiful  as  to 

10 


74  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

command  admiration.  All  that  it  would  be  requisite  for  him 
to  do  in  such  a  case,  would  be  to  employ  rare  and  foreign  orna- 
mental trees ;  as  for  example,  'the  horse-chestnut  and  the 
linden,  in  situations  where  the  maple  and  the  sycamore  are 
the  principal  trees, — elegant  flowering  shrubs  and  beautiful 
creepers,  instead  of  sumacs  and  hazels,^ — and  to  have  his 
place  kept  in  high  and  polished  order,  instead  of  the  tangled 
wildness  of  general  nature. 

On  the  contrary,  were  a  person  to  desire  a  residence  newly 
laid  out  and  planted,  in  a  district  where  all  around  is  in  a  high 
state  of  polished  cultivation,  as  in  the  suburbs  of  a  city,  a  spe- 
cies of  pleasure  would  result  from  the  imitation  of  scenery  of  a 
more  spirited  natural  character, — as  the  picturesque, — in  his 
grounds.  His  plantations  are  made  in  irregular  groups, 
composed  chiefly  of  picturesque  trees,  as  the  larch,  the 
oak,  etc. — his  walks  would  lead  through  varied  scenes, 
sometimes  bordered  with  groups  of  rocks  overrun  with 
flowering  creepers  and  vines  ;  sometimes  with  thickets  or 
little  copses  of  shrubs  and  flowering  plants ;  sometimes 
through  wild  and,  comparatively,  neglected  portions  ;  the 
whole  interspersed  with  open  glades  of  turf. 

In  the  majority  of  instances  in  the  United  States,  the  mo- 
dern style  of  Landscape  Gardening,  wherever  it  is  appreci- 
ated, will,  in  practice,  consist  in  arranging  a  demesne  of  from 
five  to  some  hundred  acres, — or  rather  that  portion  of  it, 
say  one  half,  one  third,  etc.,  devoted  to  lawn  and  pleasure- 
ground,  pasture,  etc., — so  as  to  exhibit  groups  of  forest  and 
ornamental  trees  and  shrubs,  surrounding  the  dwelling  of  the 
proprietor,  and  extending  for  a  greater  or  less  distance, 
especially  towards  the  place  of  entrance  from  the  public 
highway.  Near  the  house,  good  taste  will  dictate  the 
assemblage  of  groups  and  masses  of  the  rarer  or  more  beau- 


ON    WOOD    AND    PLANTATIONS.  76 

tifiil  trees  and  shrubs  ;  commoner  native  forest  trees  occupy- 
ing the  more  distant  portions  of  the  grounds,* 

Plantations  in  the  Modern  Style.  In  the  Modern 
Style  of  Landscape  Gardening,  it  is  our  aim,  in  plantations, 
to  produce  not  only  what  is  called  natural  beauty,  but  even 
higher  and  more  striking  beauty  of  expression,  and  of 
individual  forms,  than  we  see  in  nature ;  to  create  variety, 
and  intricacy,  in  the  groimds  of  a  residence,  by  various  modes 
of  arrangement ;  to  give  a  highly  elegant,  or  polished  air  to 
places  by  introducing  rare  and  foreign  species  ;  and  to  conceal 
all  defects  of  surface,  disagreeable  views,  unsightly  buildings, 
or  other  offensive  objects. 

As  uniformity,  and  grandeur  of  single  effects,  were  the  aim 
of  the  old  style  of  arrangement,  so  variety,  and  harmony  of 
the  whole,  are  the  results  for  which  we  labour  in  the  mo- 
dern landscape.  And,  as  the  Avenue,  or  Ihe  straight  line,  is 
the  leading  form  in  the  geometric  arrangement  of  plantations, 
so  let  us  enforce  it  upon  our  readers,  the  Group,  is  equally  the 
key-note  of  the  Modern  style.     The  smallest  place,  having 

*  Although  we  love  planting,  and  avow  that  there  are  few  greater  pleasures 
than]  to  see  a  darling  tree,  of  one's  own  placing,  every  year  stretching  wider  its 
feathery  head  of  foliage,  and  covering  with  a  darker  shadow  the  soft  turf  beneath 
it,  still,  we  will  not  let  the  ardent  and  inexperienced  hunter  after  a  location  for  a 
country  residence,  pass  without  a  word  of  advice.  This  is,  always  to  make  consider- 
able sacrifice  to  get  a  place  with  some  existing  wood,  or  a  few  ready  grown  trees  upon 
it ;  especially  near  the  site  for  the  house.  It  is  better  to  yield  a  little  in  the  ex- 
tent of  prospect,  or  in  the  direct  proximity  to  a  certain  locality,  than  to  pitch  your 
tent  in  a  plain, — desert-like  in  its  bareness — on  which  your  leafy  sensibilities  must 
suffer,  for  half  a  dozen  years  at  least,  before  you  can  hope  for  any  solace.  It  is 
doubtful  whether  there  is  not  almost  as  much  interest  in  studying  from  one's 
window  the  curious  ramifications,  the  variety  of  form,  and  the  entire  harmony, 
to  be  found  in  a  fine  old  tree,  as  in  gazing  from  a  site  where  we  have  no 
interruption  to  a  panorama  of  the  whole  horizon  ;  and  we  have  generally  found 
that  no  planters  have  so  little  courage  and  faith,  as  those  who  have  commenced 
without  the  smallest  group  of  large  trees,  as  a  nucleus  for  their  plantations. 


76  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

only  three  trees,  may  have  these  pleasingly  connected  in  a 
group ;  and  the  largest  and  finest  park — the  Blenheim  or 
Chatsworth,  of  seven  miles  square,  is  only  composed  of  a 
succession  of  groups,  becoming  masses — thickets — woods. 
If  a  demesne  with  the  most  beautiful  surface  and  views,  has 
been  for  some  time  stiffly  and  awkardly  planted,  it  is  ex- 
ceedingly difficult  to  give  it  a  natural  and  agreeable  air ; 
while  many  a  tame  level,  with  scarcely  a  glimpse  of  distance, 
has  been  rendered  lovely  by  its  charming  groups  of  trees. 
How  necessary  therefore,  is  it,  in  Ihe  veiy  outset,  that  the 
novice,  before  he  begins  to  plant^  should  know  how  to 
arrange  a  tasteful  group. 

Nothing,  at  first  thought,  would  appear  easier,  than  to  ar- 
range a  few  trees  in  the  form  of  a  natural  and  beautiful  group, — 
and  nothing  really  is  easier  to  the  practised  hand.  Yet  ex- 
perience has  taught  us  that  the  generality  of  persons,  m 
commencing  their  first  essays  in  ornamental  planting,  almost 
invariably  crowd  their  trees  into  a  close,  regular  cluTnp, 
which  has  a  most  formal  and  unsightly  appearance,  as 
different  as  possible  from  the  easy  flowing  outline  of  the 
group.* 


*  A  friend  of  ours,  at  Northampton,  who  is  a  most  zealous  planter,  related  to 
us  a  diverting  expedient  to  which  he  was  obliged  to  resort,  in  order  to  ensure 
irregular  groups.  Busily  engaged  in  arranging  plantations  of  young  trees  on  his 
lawn,  he  was  hastily  obliged  to  leave  home,  and  entrust  the  planting  of  the  groups 
to  some  common  garden  labourers,  whose  ideas  he  could  not  raise  to  a  point  suffi- 
ciently high  to  appreciate  any  beauty  in  plantations,  unless  made  in  regular  forms, 
and  straight  lines.  "  Being  well  aware,"  says  our  friend,  "  that  if  left  to  them- 
selves I  should  find  all  my  trees,  on  my  return,  in  hollow  squares  or  circular 
clumps,  I  hastily  threw  up  a  peck  of  potatoes  into  the  air,  one  by  one,  and  directed 
my  workmen  to  plant  a  tree  where  every  potatoe  fell !  Thus,  if  I  did  not  attain 
the  maximum  of  beauty  in  grouping,  I  at  least  had  something  not  so  offensive 
as  geometrical  figures." 


ON   WOOD    AND    PLANTATIONS.  77 

"  Were  it  made  the  object  of  study,"  says  Price,  "  how 
to  invent  something,  which,  under  the  name  of  ornament, 
should  disfigure  a  whole  park,  nothing  could 
be  contrived  to  answer  that  purpose  like  a 
Sr  clump.  Natural  groups,  being  formed  by  trees 
of  different  ages  and  sizes,  and  at  different  distances  from 
each  other,  often  too  by  a  mixture  of  those  of  the  largest  size 
with  others  of  inferior  growth,  are  full  of  variety  in  their  out- 
lines ;  and  from  the  same  causes,  no  two  groups  are  exactly 
alike.  But  clumps,  from  the  trees  being  generally  of  the  same 
age  and  growth,  from  their  being  planted  nearly  at  the  same 
distance,  in  a  circular  form,  and  from  each  tree  being  equally 
pressed  by  his  neighbour,  are  as  like  each  other,  as  so  many 
puddings  turned  out  of  one  common  mould.  Natural  groups 
are  full  of  openings  and  hollows,  of  trees  advancing  before,  or 
retiring  behind  each  other  ;  all  productive  of  intricacy,  of  va- 
riety, of  deep  shadows  and  brilliant  lights  :  in  walking  about 
them  the  form  changes  at  every  step  ;  new  combinations,  new 
lights  and  shades,  new  inlets  present  themselves  in  succession. 
But  clumps^  like  compact  bodies  of  soldiers,  resist  attacks  from 
all  quarters  ;  examine  them  in  every  point  of  view  ;  walk 
round  and  round  them  ;  no  opening,  no  vacancy,  no  strag- 
glers ;  but  in  the  true  military  character,  Us  sont  face  par- 
tout  r* 

The  chief  care,  then,  which  is  necessary  in  the  formation 

*  Those  who  peruse  Price's  "  Essay  on  the  Picturesque,"  cannot  fail  to 
be  entertained  with  the  vigour  with  wiiich  he  advocates  the  picturesque,  and 
attacks  the  clumping  method  of  laying  out  grounds,  so  much  practised  in  Eng- 
land, on  the  first  introduction  of  the  modem  style.  Brown,  was  the  great  prac- 
titioner at  that  time,  and  his  favourite  mode  seems  to  have  been  to  cover  the 
whole  surface  of  the  grounds  with  an  unmeaning  assemblage  of  round,  bunchy 
clumps. 


78  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

of  groups,  is,  7iot  to  place  them  in  any  regular  or  artificial 
manner,— as  one  at  each  corner  of  at  riangle,  square,  octagon, 
or  other  many-sided  figure ;  but  so  to  dispose  them,  as  that 
the  whole  may  exhibit  the  variety,  connection,  and  intricacy 
seen  in  nature.  "  The  greatest  beauty  of  a  group  of  trees," 
says  Loudon,  "  as  far  as  respects  their  stems,  is  in  the  varied 
direction  these  take  as  they  grow  into  trees  ;  but  as  that  is, 
for  all  practical  purposes,  beyond  the  influence  of  art,  all  we 
can  do,  is  to  vary  as  much  as  possible  the  ground  plan  of 
groups,  or  the  relative  positions  which  the  stems  have  to  each 
other  where  they  spring  frotn  the  earth.  This  is  consider- 
able, even  where  a  very  few  trees  are  used,  of  which  any 
person  may  convince  himself  by  placing  a  few  dots  on  paper. 
Thus  two  trees,  (fig.  15,)  or  a  tree  and  shrub,  which  is  the 
smallest  group,  (a),  may  be  placed  in  three  difierent  positions 


[Fig.  15.    Grouping  of  Trees.] 


ON    WOOD    AND    PLANTATIONS.  79 

with  reference  to  a  spectator  in  a  fixed  point ;  if  he  moves 
round  them,  they  will  first  vary  in  form  separately,  and  next 
unite  in  one  or  two  groups,  according  to  the  position  of 
the  spectator.  In  like  manner,  three  trees  may  be  placed  in 
four  different  positions ;  four  trees  may  be  placed  in  eight 
different  positiont  [b] ;  five  trees  may  be  grouped  in  ten 
different  ways,  as  to  ground  plan  ;  six  may  be  placed  in 
twelve  different  ways  (c),  and  so  on."  {Encyclopo&dia  of 
Gard.) 

In  the  composition  of  larger  masses,  similar  rules  must  be 
observed  as  in  the  smaller  groups,  in  order  to  prevent  them 
from  growing  up  in  heavy  clumpish  forms.  The  outline 
must  be  flowing,  here  projecting  out  into  the  grass,  there  rece- 
ding back  into  the  plantation,  in  order  to  take  off  all  appear- 
ance of  stiffness  and  regularity.  Trees  of  medium  and 
smaller  size  should  be  so  interspersed  with  those  of  larger 
growth,  as  to  break  up  all  formal  sweeps  in  the  line  produced 
by  the  tops  of  their  summits,  and,  occasionally,  low  trees 
should  be  planted  on  the  outer  edge  of  the  mass,  to  connect 
it  with  the  humble  verdure  of  the  surrounding  sward. 

In  many  parts  of  the  union,  where  new  residences  are  being 
formed,  or  where  old  ones  are  to  be  improved,  the  grounds 
will  often  be  found,  partially,  or  to  a  considerable  extent, 
clothed  with  belts  or  masses  of  wood,  either  previously  plant- 
ed, or  preserved  from  the  woodman's  axe.  How  easily  we 
may  turn  these  to  advantage  in  the  natural  style  of  Landscape 
Gardening  ;  and  by  judicious  trimming  when  too  thick,  or 
additions  when  too  much  scattered,  elicit  often  the  happiest 
effects,  in  a  magical  manner  !  In  the  accompanying  sketch, 
(fig.  16,)  the  reader  will  recognize  a  portrait  of  a  hundred 
familiar  examples,  existing  with  us,  of  the  places  of  persons 
of  considerable  means  and  intelligence,  where  the  house  is 


80 


LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 


7  ill 

[Fig.  16.    View  of  a  Country  Residence,  as  frequently  seen.] 

not  less  meagre  than  the  stiff  approach  leading  to  it,  border- 
ed with  a  formal  belt  of  trees.  The  succeeding  sketch, 
(fig.  17),  exhibits  this  place  as  improved  agreeably  to  the 
principles  of  modern  Landscape  Gardening,  not  only  in  the 
plantations,  but  in  the  house, — ^which  appears  tastefully  alter- 
ed from  a  plain  unmeaning  parallelogram,  to  a  simple,  old 
Englishcottage, — and  in  the  more  graceful  approach.  Effects 
like  these,  are  within  the  reach  of  very  moderate  means,  and 
are  peculiarly  worth  attention  in  this  country,  where  so  much 
has  already  been  partially,  and  often  badly  executed. 


[Fig.  17.    View  of  the  same  Residence,  improved.] 


Where  there  are  large  masses  of  wood  to  regulate  and  ar- 
range, much  skill,  taste  and  judgment,  are  requisite,  to  enable 
the  proprietors  tojpreserve  only  what  is  really  beautiful  and 


ON    WOOD    AND    PLANTATIONS.  81 

picturesque,  and  to  remove  all  that  is  superfluous.  Most  of 
our  native  woods,  too,  have  grown  so  closely,  and  the  trees 
are  consequently  so  much  drawn  up,  that  should  the  improver 
thin  out  any  portion,  at  once,  to  single  trees,  he  will  be 
greatly  disappointed  if  he  expects  them  to  stand  long ;  for 
the  first  severe  autumnal  gale  will  almost  certainly  prostrate 
them.  The  only  method,  therefore,  is  to  allow  them  to  re- 
main in  groups  of  considerable  size  at  first,  and  to  thin 
them  out  as  is  finally  desired,  when  they  have  made 
stronger  roots  and  become  more  inured  to  the  influence  of 
the  sun  and  air.* 

But  to  return  to  grouping  ;  what  we  have  already  en- 
deavoured to  render  familiar  to  the  reader,  may  be  called 
grouping  in  its  simple  meaning — for  general  effect,  and 
with  an  eye  only  to  the  natural  beauty  of  pleasing  forms. 
Let  us  now  explain,  as  concisely  as  we  may,  the  mode  of 
grouping  in  the  two  schools  in  Landscape  Gardening  here- 
tofore defined ;  that  is  to  say,  grouping  and  planting  for 
Graceful  effect,  and  for  Picturesque  effect, — as  we  wish  it  un- 
derstood that  these  two  different  expressions,  in  artificial 
landscape,  are  always,  to  a  certain  extent,  under  our  control. 

Planting  and  Grouping  in  the  Graceful  School. 
The  elementary  principles  in  this  school,  our  readers  will 
remember  to  be  fulness  and  softness  of  outline,  and  perfectly 
luxuriant  development.  To  insure  these  in  plantations,  we 
must  commence  by  choosing,  mainly,  trees  of  graceful  habit, 
and  flowing  outlines  ;  and  of  this  class  of  trees,  hereafter 
more  fully  illustrated,   the  American  elm,  and  the  maple 

*  When,  in  thinning  woods  in  this  manner,  those  left  standing  have  a  meagre 
appearance,  a  luxuriant  growth  may  be  promoted  by  the  application  of  manure 
plentifully  dug  in  about  the  roots.  This  will  also,  by  causing  an  abundant 
growth  of  new  roots,  strengthen  the  trees  in  their  position. 

11 


82 


LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 


may  be  taken  as  the  type.  Next,  in  disposing  them,  they 
must  usually  be  planted  rather  distant  in  the  groups,  and 
often  singly.  We  do  not  mean  by  this,  that  close  groups 
may  not  occasionally  be  formed,  but  there  should  be  a 
predominance  of  trees  grouped  at  such  a  distance  from  each 
other,  as  to  allow  a  full  development  of  the  branches  on 
every  side.  Or,  when  a  close  group  is  planted,  the  trees 
composing  it,  should  be  usually  of  the  same  or  a  similar 
kind,  in  order  that  they  may  grow  up  together  and  form 
one  finely  rounded  head.  Rich  creepers,  and  blossoming 
vines,  that  grow  in  fine  luxuriant  wreaths  and  masses,  are 
fit  accompaniments  to  occasional  groups  in  this  manner. 
Fig.  18,  represents  a  plan  of  trees  grouped  along  a  road 
or  walk,  in  the  Graceful  mode. 


[Fig.  18.    Grouping  in  the  Graceful  mode.] 


It  is  proper  that  we  should  here  remark,  that  a  distinct 
species  of  after  treatment  is  required  for  the  two  modes. 
Trees,  or  groups,  in  the  Graceful  school,  should  be  pruned 
with  great  care,  and   indeed,    scarcely   at   all,    except   to 


ON    WOOD   AND    PLANTATIONS. 


83 


remedy  disease,  or  to  correct  a  bad  form.  Above  all,  the 
fiill  luxuriance  and  development  of  the  tree  should  be  en- 
couraged by  good  soil,  and  repeated  manurings  when 
necessary  ;  and  that  most  expressively  elegant  fall  and 
droop  of  the  branches,  which  so  entirely  belongs  to  the 
Graceful  school,  should  never  be  warred  against  by  any 
trimming  of  the  lower  branches,  which  must  also  be  care- 
fully preserved  against  cattle,  whose  browsing  line^  would 
soon  efface  this  most  beautiful  disposition  in  some  of  our 
fine  lawn  trees.  Clean  smooth  stems,  fresh  and  tender  bark, 
and  a  softly  rounded,  pyramidal  or  drooping  head,  are  the 
characteristics  of  a  graceful  tree.  We  need  not  add  that 
gently  slopmg  ground,  or  surfaces  rolling  in  easy  undula- 
tions, should  accompany  such  plantations. 

Planting  and  grouping  in  the  Picturesque  school. 
All  trees  are  admissible  in  a  picturesque  place,  but  a 
predominance  must  be  used  by  the  planter,  of  what  are 
truly  called  picturesque  trees,  of  which  the  larch  and  fir 
tribe,  and  the  oak,  may   be  taken  as   examples.      In  the 


[Fig.  19.     Grouplug  in  the  Picturesque  mode.] 


Picturesque  school,  every  thing  depends  on  intricacy,  and 


84  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

irregularity,  and  grouping,  therefore,  must  often  be  done* 
in  the  most  irregular  manner — rarely,  if  ever,  with  single 
specimens,  as  every  object  should  seem  to  connect  itself 
with  something  else — but  most  frequently  there  should  be 
irregular  groups,  occasionally  running  into  thickets,  and 
always,  more  or  less,  touching  each  other ;  trusting  to  after 
time  for  any  thinning,  should  it  be  necessary.  Fig.  19, 
may,  as  compared  with  fig.  18,  give  an  idea  of  picturesque 
grouping. 

There  should  be  more  of  the  wildness  of  the  finest  and 
most  forcible  portions  of  natural  woods  or  forests,  in  the 
disposition  of  the  trees  ;  sometimes,  planting  them  closely, 
even  two  or  three  in  the  same  hole,  at  others,  more  loose 
and  scattered.  These  will  grow  up  into  wilder  and  more 
striking  forms,  the  barks  will  be  deeply  furrowed  and  rough, 
the  limbs  twisted  and  irregular,  and  the  forms  and  outlines 
distinctly  varied.  They  should  often  be  intermixed  with 
smaller  undergrowth  of  similar  character,  as  the  hazel, 
hawthorn,  etc.,  and  formed  into  such  picturesque  and  strik- 
ing groups,  as  painters  love  to  study  and  introduce  into 
their  pictures.  Sturdy  and  bright  vines,  or  such  as  are 
themselves  picturesque  in  their  festoons  and  hangings, 
should  be  allowed  to  clamber  over  occasional  trees  in  a  neg- 
ligent manner ;  and  the  surface  and  grass,  in  parts  of  the 
scene  not  immediately  in  the  neighbourhood  of  the  mansion, 
may  be  kept  short  by  the  cropping  of  animals,  or  allowed  to 
grow  in  a  more  careless  and  loose  state,  like  that  of  tangled 
dells,  and  natural  woods. 

There  will  be  the  same  open  glades  in  picturesque,  as 
in  graceful  plantations ;  but  these  openings,  in  the  former, 
will  be  bounded  by  groups  and  thickets  of  every  form,  and 
of  different  degrees  of  intricacy,  while  in  the  latter,  the 


ON   WOOD    AND    PLANTATIONS.  85 

eye  will  repose  on  softly  rounded  masses  of  foliage,  or 
single  open  groups  of  trees,  with  finely  balanced,  and  graceful 
heads  and  branches. 

In  order  to   know  how  a  plantation  in  the  picturesque 
mode  should  be  treated,  after  it  is  established,  we  should 
reflect  a  moment   on   what  constitutes  picturesqueness  in 
any  tree.     This  will  be  found  to  consist,  either  in  a  certain 
natural  roughness  of  bark,  or  wildness  of  form  and  outline, 
or,    in   some   accidental  curve   of   a    branch,   of    striking 
manner  of  growth,  or  perhaps,  of  both  these  conjoined.     A 
broken  or  crooked  limb,   a  leaning  trunk,  or  several  stems 
springing  from  the  same  base,  are,  frequently,  peculiarities 
that  at  once  stamp  a  tree  as  picturesque.     Hence,  it  is  easy 
to  see,  that  the  excessive  care  of  the  cultivator  of  trees  in 
the  graceful  school,  to  obtain  the  smoothest  trunks,  and  the 
most   sweeping,  perfect,    and   luxuriant  heads   of  foliage, 
is  quite  the  opposite  of  what  is  the  picturesque  arboricul- 
turist's ambition.     He  desires  to  encourage  a  certain  wild- 
ness of  growth,  and  allows  his  trees  to  spring  up  occasion- 
ally in  thickets,  to  assist  this  effect ;  he  delights  in  occasional 
irregularity  of  stem  and  outline,  and  he  therefore  suffers 
his  trees,  here  and  there,   to  crowd  each  other  ;    he  admires 
a  twisted  limb,  or  a  moss  covered  branch,  and  in  pruning, 
he,  therefore,  is  careful  to  leave,  precisely  what  it  would  be 
the  aim  of  the  other  to  remove  ;  and  his  pruning,  where  it  is 
at  all  necessaiy,  is  directed  rather  towards  increasing  the  na- 
rually  striking  and  peculiar  habit  of  the   picturesque  tree, 
than  assisting  it  in  developing  a  form  of  unusual  refine- 
ment and  symmetry.     From  these  remarks,  we  think  the 
amateur  will  easily  divine,    that  planting,   grouping,  and 
culture   in  the   Graceful,  requires    a   much    less    educated 
feeling,  than  performing  the  same  operations  in  the  Pictu- 


86  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

resque  school.  The  charm  of  a  refined  and  poUshed  land- 
scape garden,  as  we  usually  see  it  in  the  graceful  mode, 
with  all  the  richness  and  beauty,  developed  by  high  cul- 
ture— lovely  and  enchanting  as  it  is,  and  always  must  be — 
this  charm,  we  say,  is,  notwithstanding,  always  immediately 
referred,  very  properly,  to  a  certain  perfection  of  groAvth, 
arising,  mainly,  from  the  superior  care  and  cultivation  which 
is  bestowed  on  every  object  within  our  sight. 

But  in  the  Picturesque  landscape  garden,  there  is  visible, 
a  piquancy  of  effect — certain  bold  and  striking  growths  and 
combinations,  which  we  feel,  at  once,  if  we  know  them  to 
be  the  result  of  art,  to  be  the  production  of  a  peculiar 
species  of  attention — not  merely  good,  or  even  refined, 
ornamental  gardening.  In  short,  no  one  can  be  a  pictu- 
resque improver  who  is  not,  himself,  something  of  an  artist — 
who  has  not  studied  nature  with  an  artistical  eye — and 
who  is  not  capable  of  imitating,  eliciting,  or  heightening,  in 
his  plantations,  or  other  portions  of  his  residence,  the  pictu- 
resque in  its  many  variations.  And  we  may  add  here,  that  efii- 
cient  and  charming  as  is  the  assistance,  which  all  ornamental 
planters  will  derive  from  the  study  of  the  best  landscape  en- 
gravings and  pictures  of  distinguished  artists,  they  are 
indispensably  necessary  to  the  picturesque  improver.  In 
these  he  will  often  find  embodied  the  choicest  and  most 
captivating  studies  from  picturesque  nature,  and  will  see,  at 
a  glance,  the  effect  of  certain  combinations  of  trees,  which 
he  might  otherwise  puzzle  himself  a  dozen  years  to  know 
how   to  produce. 

After  all,  as  the  picturesque  improver,  here,  will  most 
generally  be  found  to  be  him  who  chooses  a  comparatively 
wild  and  wooded  place,  we  may  safely  say  that,  if  he  has 
the  true  feeling  for  his  work,  he  will  always  find  it  vastly 


ON    WOOD    AND    PLANTATIONS.  87 

easier  than  the  graceful  improver ;  as  the  majority  of  the 
latter  may  be  said  to  begin  nearly  anew — choosing  places 
not  for  wildness,  and  intricacy  of  wood,  but  for  open- 
ness, and  the  smiling,  sunny,  undulating  plain,  where  they 
must,  of  course,  to  a  good  extent,  plant  anew. 

After  becoming  well  acquainted  with  grouping,  we 
should  bring  ourselves  to  regard  those  principles  which 
govern  our  improvement  as  a  whole.  We  therefore  must 
call  the  attention  of  the  improver  to  the  two  following 
principles,  which  are  to  be  constantly  in  view  :  the  produc- 
tion of  a  whole  ;   and  the  proper  connection  of  the  jjarts. 

Any  person  who  will  take  the  trouble  to  reflect  for  a  mo- 
ment, on  the  great  diversity  of  surface,  change  of  position, 
aspects,  views,  etc.,  in  different  country  residences,  will  at 
once  perceive  how  difficult,  or,  indeed,  how  impossible  it  is, 
to  lay  down  any  fixed  or  exact  rules  for  arranging  planta- 
tions, in  the  modern  style.  What  would  be  precisely  adapted 
to  a  hilly  rolling  park,  would  often  be  found  entirely  unfit 
for  adoption  in  a  smooth,  level  surface,  and  the  contrary. 
Indeed,  the  chief  beauty  of  the  modern  style  is  the  variety 
produced  by  following  a  few  leading  principles,  and 
applying  them  to  different  and  varied  localities  ;  imlike  the 
geometric  style,  which  proceeded  to  level,  and  arrange,  and 
erect  its  avenues  and  squares,  alike  in  every  situation,  with 
all  the  precision  and  certainty  of  mathematical  demonstra- 
tion. 

In  all  grounds  to  be  laid  out,  however,  which  are  of  a  lawn 
or  park-like  extent,  and  call  for  the  exercise  of  judgment  and 
taste,  the  mansion  or  dwelling-house,  being  itself  the  chief,  or 
leading  object  in  the  scene,  should  form,  as  it  were,  the  cen- 
tral point,  to  which  it  should  be  the  object  of  the  planter  to 
give  importance.     In  order  to  do  this  effectually,   the  large 


88  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

masses,  or  groups  of  wood,  should  cluster  round,  or  form  the 
back-ground  to  the  main  edifice ;  and  where  the  offices  or  out- 
buildings approach  the  same  neighbourhood,  they  also  should 
be  embraced.  We  do  not  mean,  by  this,  to  convey  the  idea, 
that  a  thick  wood  should  be  planted  around  and  in  the  close 
neighbourhood  of  the  mansion  or  villa,  so  as  to  impede  the 
free  circulation  of  air  ;  but  its  appearance  and  advantages 
may  be  easily  produced  by  a  comparatively  loose  plantation 
of  groups  well  connectd  by  intermediate  trees,  so  as  to  give 
all  the  effect  of  a  large  mass.  The  front,  and  at  least  that 
side  nearest  the  approach  road,  will  be  left  open  or  nearly 
so  ;  while  the  plantations  on  the  hack-ground  will  give 
dignity  and  importance  to  the  house,  and  at  the  same  time 
effectually  screen  the  approach  to  the  farm  buildings,  and 
other  objects  which  require  to  be  kept  out  of  view ;  and 
here,  both  for  the  purposes  of  shelter,  and  richness  of  effect, 
a  good  proportion  of  evergreens  should  be  introduced. 

From  this  principal  mass,  the  plantations  must  break  off"  in 
groups  of  greater  or  less  size,  corresponding  to  the  extent 
covered  by  it ; — if  large,  they  will  diverge  into  masses  of  con- 
siderable magnitude  ;  if  of  moderate  size,  in  groups  made  up 
of  a  number  of  trees.  In  the  lawn  front  of  the  house,  appro- 
priate places  will  be  found  for  a  number  of  the  most  elegant 
single  trees,  or  small  groups  of  trees,  remarkable  for  the  beau- 
ty of  their  forms,  foliage,  or  blossoms.  Care  must  be  taken, 
however,  in  disposing  these,  as  well  as  many  of  the  groups, 
that  they  are  not  placed  so  as,  at  some  future  time,  to  inter- 
rupt or  disturb  the  finest  points  of  prospect. 

In  more  distant  parts  of  the  plantations  will  also  appear 
masses  of  considerable  extent,  perhaps  upon  the  boundary 
line,  perhaps  in  particular  situations  on  the  sides,  or  in  the 
interior  of  the  whole ;  and  the  various  groups  which  are  dis- 


ON    WOOD    AND    PLANTATIONS.  89 

tribiited  between,  should  be  so  managed  as,  though  in  most 
cases  distinct,  yet  to  appear  to  be  the  connecting  Hnks  which 
unite  these  distant  shadows  in  the  composition,  with  the 
larger  masses  near  the  house.  Sometimes  several  small 
groups  will  be  almost  joined  together ;  at  others  the  effect 
may  be  kept  up  by  a  small  group,  aided  by  a  few  neighbour- 
ing single  trees.  This,  for  a  park-like  place.  Where  the 
place  is  small,  a  pleasm-e-ground  character  is  all  that  can  be 
attained.  But  by  employing  chiefly  shrubs,  and  only  a 
few  trees,  very  similar  and  highly  beautiful  effects  may  be 
attained. 

The  grand  object  in  all  this,  should  be  to  open  to  the  eye, 
from  the  windows  or  front  of  the  house,  a  wide  surface,  par- 
tially broken  up  and  divided,  by  groups  and  masses  of  trees, 
into  a  number  of  pleasing  lawns  or  openings,  differing  in  size 
and  appearance,  and  producing  a  charming  variety  in  the 
scene,  either  when  seen  from  a  given  point,  or  when  exam- 
ined in  detail.  It  must  not  be  forgotten  that,  as  a  general 
rule,  the  grass  or  surface  of  the  lawn  answers  as  the  princi- 
pal light,  and  the  woods  or  plantations  as  the  shadows,  in 
the  same  manner  in  nature  as  in  painting,  and  that  these 
should  be  so  managed  as  to  lead  the  eye  to  the  mansion  as 
the  most  important  object  when  seen  from  without,  or  corres" 
pond  to  it  in  grandeur  and  magnitude,  when  looked  upon 
from  within  the  house.  If  the  surface  is  too  much  crowded 
with  groups  of  foliage,  breadth  of  light  will  be  found  want- 
ing ;  if  left  too  bare,  there  will  be  felt,  on  the  other  hand 
an  absence  of  the  noble  effect  of  deep  and  broad  shadows. 

One  of  the  loveliest  charms  of  a  fine  park  is,  undoubtedly, 
variation  or  undulation  of  surface.  Every  thing,  accordingly, 
which  tends  to  preserve  and  strengthen  this  pleasing  charac- 
ter, should  be  kept  constantly  in  view.     Where,  therefore^ 

12 


90  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING, 

there  are  no  obvious  objections  to  such  a  course,  the  em- 
inences, gentle  swells,  or  hills,  should  be  planted,  in  preference 
to  the  hollows  or  depressions.  By  planting  the  elevated 
portions  of  the  grounds,  their  apparent  height  is  increased ; 
but  by  planting  the  hollows,  all  distinction  is  lessened  and 
broken  up.  Indeed,  where  there  is  but  a  trifling  and  scarcely 
perceptible  undulation,  the  importance  of  the  swells  of 
surface  already  existing  is  surprisingly  increased,  when  this 
course  of  planting  is  adopted ;  and  the  whole,  to  the  eye, 
appears  finely  varied. 

Where  the  grounds  of  the  residence  to  be  planted  are  level, 
or  nearly  so,  and  it  is  desirable  to  confine  the  view,  on  any 
or  all  sides,  to  the  lawn  or  park  itself,  the  boundary  groups 
and  masses  must  be  so  connected  together  as,  from  the  most 
striking  part  or  parts  of  the  prospect,  (near  the  house  for  ex- 
ample,) to  answer  this  end.     This  should  be  done,  not  by 
planting  a  continuous,  uniformly  thick  belt  of  trees  round  the 
outside  of  the  whole  ;  but  by  so  arranging  the  various  outer 
groups  and  thickets,  that  when  seen  from  the  given  points, 
they  shall  appear  connected  in  one  whole.     In  this  way, 
there  will  be  an  agreeable  variation  in  the  margin,  made 
by  the  various  bays,  recesses,  and  detached  projections,  which 
could  not  be  so  well  effected,  if  the  whole  were  one  uniformly 
unbroken  strip  of  wood. 

But  where  the  house  is  so  elevated  as  to  command  a  more 
extensive  view  than  is  comprised  in  the  demesne  itself,  another 
course  should  be  adopted.  The  grounds  planted  must  be 
made  to  connect  themselves  with  the  surrounding  scenery, 
so  as  not  to  produce  any  violent  contrast  to  the  eye,  when 
compared  with  the  adjoining  country.  If  then,  as  is  most 
frequently  the  case,  the  lawn  or  pleasure-ground  join,  on 
either  side  or  sides,  cultivated  farm  lands,  the  proper  connec- 


ON   WOOD    AND    PLANTATIONS.  01 

tion  may  be  kept  up  by  advancing  a  few  groups,  or  even 
scattered  trees,  into  the  neighbouring  fields.  In  the  middle 
states,  there  are  but  few  cultivated  fields,  even  in  ordinary 
farms,  where  there  is  not  to  be  seen,  here  and  there,  a  hand- 
some cluster  of  saplings,  or  a  few  full  grown  trees  ;  or  if  not 
these,  at  least  some  tall  growing  bushes  along  the  fences,  all 
of  which,  by  a  little  exercise  of  this  leading  principle  of  con- 
nection, can,  by  the  planter  of  taste,  be  made  to  appear,  with 
few  or  trifling  additions,  to  divaricate  from,  and  ramble  out  of 
the  park  itself.  Where  the  park  joins  natural  woods,  con- 
nection is  still  easier,  and  where  it  bounds  upon  one  of  our 
noble  rivers,  lakes,  or  other  large  sheets  of  water,  of  course 
comiection  is  not  expected  ;  for  sudden  contrast  and  transition 
is  there  both  natural  and  beautiful. 

In  all  cases,  good  taste  will  suggest  that  the  more  polished 
parts  of  the  lawns  and  grounds  should,  in  either  school  of 
improvement,  be  those  nearest  the  house.  There,  the  most 
rare  and  beautiful  sorts  of  trees  are  displayed,  and  the  entire 
plantations  agree,  in  elegance,  with  the  style  of  art  evinced 
in  the  mansion  itself.  When  there  is  much  extent,  however, 
as  the  eye  wanders  from  the  neighbourhood  of  the  re- 
sidence, the  whole  evinces  less  polish  ;  and  gradually, 
towards  the  farthest  extremities,  grows  ruder,  mitil  it  assimi- 
lates itself  to  the  wildness  of  general  nature  around.  This, 
of  course,  applies  to  grounds  of  large  extent,  and  must  not 
be  so  much  enforced  where  the  lawn  embraced  is  but  mo- 
derate, and  therefore  comes  more  directly  under  the  eye. 

It  will  be  remembered  that  in  the  foregoing  section,  we 
stated  it  as  one  of  the  leading  principles  of  the  art  of  Land- 
scape Gardening,  that  in  every  instance  where  the  grounds 
of  a  country  residence  have  a  marked  natural  character, 
whether  of  graceful  or  picturesque  beauty,   the   eiforts  of 


92  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

he  improver  will  be  most  successful,  if  he  contributes,  by 
his  art,  to  aid  and  strengthen  that  expression.  This  should 
ever  be  borne  in  mind,  when  we  are  commencing  any  im- 
provements in  planting  that  will  affect  the  general  expression 
of  the  scene  ;  as  there  are  but  few  country  residences  in  the 
United  States,  of  any  importance,  which  have  not  naturally 
some  distinct  landscape  character,  and  the  labours  of  the  im- 
prover will  be  productive  of  much  greater  satisfaction,  and 
more  lasting  pleasure,  when  they  aim  at  effects  in  keeping 
with  the  whole  scene,  than  if  no  regard  be  paid  to  this  im- 
portant point.  This  will  be  felt,  almost  intuitively,  by  per- 
sons who,  perhaps,  would  themselves  be  incapable  of 
describing  the  cause  of  their  gratification,  but  would  per- 
ceive the  contrary  at  once ;  as  many  are  unable  to  analyze 
the  pleasure  derived  from  harmony  in  music,  while  they  at 
once  perceive  the  introduction  of  discordant  notes. 

We  do  not  intend  that  this  principle  should  apply  so  close- 
ly, that  grounds  naturally  picturesque,  shall  have  nothing  of 
the  softening  touches  of  general  beauty  ;  or  that  a  demesne 
characterized  by  the  latter  expression  should  not  be  occasion- 
ally enlivened  with  a  few  "  smart  touches'^  of  the  former. 
This  is  often  necessary,  indeed,  to  prevent  tame  scenery  from 
degenerating  into  insipidity, — or  picturesque,  into  wildness, 
too  great  to  be  appropriated  in  a  country  residence.  Pictu- 
resque trees  give  new  spirit  to  groups  of  merely  beautiful 
ones,  and  the  latter  sometimes  heighten  by  contrast  the  value 
of  the  former.  All  of  which,  however,  does  not  prevent  the 
'predominance  of  the  leading  features  of  either  style,  suffi- 
ciently strong  to  mark  it  as  such ;  while,  occasionally,  some- 
thing of  zest,  or  elegance,  may  be  borrowed  from  the  opposite 
character,  to  suit  the  wishes,  or  gratify  the  taste  of  the  pro- 
prietor. 


on  wood  and  plantations.  93 

Ground  plans  of  ornamental  plantations.  To 
illustrate,  partially,  our  ideas  on  the  arrangement  of  planta- 
tions, we  place  before  the  reader  two  or  three  examples, 
premising,  that  the  small  scale  to  which  they  are  reduced, 
prevents  our  giving  to  them  any  character  beyond  that  of 
the  general  one  of  the  design.  The  first,  (fig.  20,)  represents 
a  portion,  say  one-third  or  one-half,  of  a  piece  of  property 
selected  for  a  country  seat,  and  which  has  hitherto  been 
kept  in  tillage,  as  ordinary  farm  land.  The  public  road,  a, 
is  the  boundary  on  one  side  :  dd  are  prettily  wooded  dells  or 
hollows,  which,  together  with  a  few  groups  near  the  pro- 
posed site  of  the  house,  c,  and  a  few  scattered  single  trees, 
make  up  the  aggregate  of  the  original  woody  embellish- 
ments of  the  locality. 

In  the  next  figure,  (fig.  21,)  a  ground  plan  of  the  place  is 
given,  as  it  would  appear,  after  having  been  judiciously  laid 
out  and  planted,  with  several  years  growth.  At  a,  the  ap 
proach  road  leaves  the  public  highway,  and  leads  to  the 
house  at  c ;  from  whence,  paths  of  smaller  size,  b,  make  the 
circuit  of  the  ornamental  portion  of  the  residence,  taking  ad- 
vantage of  the  wooded  dells,  d,  originally  existing,  which 
offer  some  scope  for  varied  walks,  concealed  from  each  other 
by  the  intervening  masses  of  thicket.  It  will  be  seen  here, 
that  one  of  the  largest  masses  of  wood  forms  a  back  ground 
to  the  house,  concealing,  also,  the  out-buildings  ;  while,  from 
the  windows  of  the  mansion  itself,  the  trees  are  so  arranged 
as  to  group  in  the  most  pleasing  and  effective  manner  ;  at 
the  same  time,  broad  masses  of  turf  meet  the  eye,  and  fine  dis- 
tant views  are  had  through  the  vistas  in  the  lines,  e  e.  In 
this  manner,  the  lawn  appears  divided  into  four  distinct 
lawns  or  areas,  bomided  by  groups  of  trees,  instead  of 
being  dotted  over  with  an  unmeaning  confusion  of  irregular 


94 


LANDSCAPE    GARDKNING. 


[Fig.  20.     Plan  of  a  commoD  Farm,  before  any  improvements.] 

masses  of  foliage.  The  form  of  these  areas  varies,  also,  with 
every  change  of  position  in  the  spectator,  as  seen  from  differ- 
ent portions  of  the  gromids,  or  different  points  in  the  walks ; 
and  they,  can  be  still  further  varied,  at  pleasm-e,  by  adding 
more  single  trees,  or  small  groups,  which  should  always,  to 
produce  variety  of  outline,  be  placed  opposite  the  salient  parts 
of  the  wood,  and  not  in  the  recesses,  which  latter  they  would 
appear  to  diminish  or  clog  up.  The  stables  are  shown  at/; 
the  barn  g  ;  and  the  kitchen  garden  adjacent  at  h  ;  the  or- 
chard at  i ;  and  a  small  portion  of  the  farm  lands  at  k  ;  a 
back  entrance  to  the  out-buildings  is  shown  in  the  rear  of 
the  orchard.  The  plan  has  been  given  for  a  place  of  seventy 
acres,  thirty  of  which  include  the  pleasure-grounds,  and  forty 
the  adjoining  farm  lands. 


ON   WOOD    AND    PLANTATIONS. 


95 


'■liii  ii  iiijli 

I     Ml  1  I  I    I    III'. 


[Fig.  21.    Plan  of  the  foregoing  grounds  as  a  Country  Seat,  after  ten  years'  improvement.! 


Figure  22,  is  the  plan  of  an  American  mansion  residence 
of  considerable  extent,  only  part  of  the  farm  lands,  I,  being 
here  delineated.  In  this  residence,  as  there  is  no  extensive 
view,  worth  preserving,  beyond  the  bounds  of  the  estate,  the 
pleasure  grounds  are  surrounded  by  an  irregular  and 
picturesque  belt  of  wood.  A  fine  natural  stream  or  rivu- 
let, which  ran  through  the  estate,  has  been  formed  into  a  hand- 
some pond,  or  small  lake,  /,  which  adds  much  to  the  interest 
of  the  grounds.  The  approach  road  breaks  off  from  the  high- 
way at  the  entrance  lodge,  a,  and  proceeds  in  easy  curves  to 
the  mansion,  b  ;  and  the  groups  of  trees  on  the  side  of  this 
approach  nearest  the  house,  are  so  arranged  that  the  visiter 
scarcely  obtains  more  than  a  glimpse  of  the  latter,  until  he 


96 


LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 


[Fig.  22-    Plan  of  a  Mansiou  Residence,  laid  out  in  tlje  natural  style.] 


arrives  at  the  most  favourable  position  for  a  first  impression. 
From  the  windows  of  the  mansion,  at  either  end,  the  eye 
ranges  over  groups  of  flowers  and  shrubs  ;  while,  on  the  en- 
trance front,  the  trees  are  arranged  so  as  to  heighten  the 
natural  expression  originally  existing  there.  On  the  other 
front,  the  broad  mass  of  light  reflected  from  the  green  turf 
at  A,  is  balanced  by  the  dark  shadows  of  the  picturesque 
plantations  which  surround  the  lake,  and  skirt  the  whole 
boundary.     M  i,  a-  light,  inconspicuous  wire  fence  separates 


ON   WOOD    AND    PLANTATIONS.  97 

that  portion  of  the  ground,  g,  ornamented  with  flowering 
shrubs,  and  kept  mown  by  the  scythe,  from  the  remainder,  of 
a  park-hke  character,  which  is  kept  short  by  the  cropping  of 
animals.  At  c,  are  shown  the  stables,  carriage  house,  etc., 
which,  though  near  the  approach  road,  are  concealed  by  fo- 
liage, though  easily  accessible  by  a  short  curved  road,  re- 
turning  from  the  house,  so  as  not  to  present  any  road  lead- 
ing in  the  same  direction,  to  detract  from  the  dignity  of  the 
approach  in  going  to  it.  A  prospect  tower,  or  rustic  pavilion, 
on  a  little  eminence  overlooking  the  whole  estate,  is  shown 
at 7*.  The  small  arabesque  beds  near  the  house,  are  filled  with 
masses  of  choice  flowering  shrubs  and  plants ;  the  kitchen 
garden  is  shown  at  d,  and  the  orchard  at  e. 

Suburban  villa  residences  are,  every  day,  becoming  more 
numerous  ;  and  in  laying  out  the  grounds  around  them,  and 
disposing  the  sylvan  features,  there  is  often  more  ingenuity, 
and  as  much  taste  required,  as  in  treating  a  country  residence 
of  several  hundi-ed  acres.  In  the  small  area  of  from  one  half 
an  acre  to  ten  or  twelve  acres,  surrounding  often  a  villa  of 
the  first  class,  it  is  desirable  to  assemble  many  of  the  same 
features,  and  as  much  as  possible  of  the  enjoyment,  which 
are  to  be  found  in  a  large  and  elegant  estate.  To  do  this, 
the  space  allotted  to  various  purposes,  as  the  kitchen  garden, 
lawn,  etc.,  must  be  judiciously  portioned  out,  and  so  charac- 
terized and  divided  by  plantations,  that  the  whole  shall  ap- 
pear to  be  much  larger  than  it  really  is,  from  the  fact  that  the 
spectator  is  never  allowed  to  see  the  whole  at  a  single  glance ; 
but  while  each  portion  is  complete  in  itself,  the  plan  shall 
present  nothing  incongruous  or  ill  assorted. 

An  excellent  illustration  of  this  species  of  residence,  is  af- 
forded the  reader,  in  the  accompanying  plan,  (fig.  23,)  of  the 
grounds  of  Riverside    Villa.      This  pretty  villa   at  Bur- 

13 


98 


LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 


[Fig.  23.     Plan  of  a  Suburban  Villa  Residence.] 


lington,  New- Jersey,  (to  which  we  shall  again  refer,)  was 
lately  built,  and  the  grounds,  about  six  or  eight  acres  in 
extent,  laid  out,  from  the  designs  of  John  Notman,  Esq., 
architect,  of  Philadelphia ;  and  while  the  latter  promise  a 
large  amount  of  beauty  and  enjoyment,  scarcely  any  thing 
which  can  be  supposed  necessary  for  the  convenience  or 
wants  of  the  family,  is  lost  sight  of. 


ON    WOOD    AND    PLANTATIONS.  99 

The  house,  a,  stands  quite  near  the  bank  of  the  river, 
while  one  front  commands  fine  water  views,  and  the  other 
looks  into  the  lawn  or  pleasure  grounds,  b.  On  one  side  of 
the  area  is  the  kitchen  garden,  c,  separated  and  concealed  from 
the  lawn,  by  thick  groups  of  evergreen  and  deciduous  trees. 
At  e,  is  a  picturesque  orchard,  in  which  the  fruit  trees  are 
planted  in  groups,  instead  of  straight  lines,  for  the  sake  of 
effect.  Directly  under  the  windows  of  the  drawing-room  is 
the  flower  garden,  /  ;  and  at  g^  is  a  seat.  The  walk  aromid 
the  lawn  is  also  a  carriage  road,  affording  entrance  and  egress 
from  the  rear  of  the  grounds,  for  garden  purposes,  as  well  as 
from  the  front  of  the  house.  At  h,  is  situated  the  ice-house ; 
c?,  hot-beds  ;  j,  bleaching  green ;  z*,  gardener's  house,  etc.  In 
the  rear  of  the  latter  are  the  stables,  which  are  not  shown  on 
the  plan. 

The  embellished  farm,  {fenne  ornee\  is  a  pretty  mode  of 
combining  something  of  the  beauty  of  the  landscape  garden, 
with  the  utility  of  the  farm,  and  we  hope  to  see  small 
country  seats  of  this  land,  become  more  general.  As  re- 
gards profit  in  farming,  of  course,  all  modes  of  arranging 
or  distributing  land  are  inferior  to  simple  square  fields ; 
on  account  of  the  greater  facility  of  working  the  land,  in 
rectangular  plots.  But  we  suppose  the  owner  of  the  small 
ornamental  farm,  to  be  one  with  whom  profit  is  not  the 
first  and  only  consideration, — but  who  desires  to  unite  with 
it  something  to  gratify  his  taste,  and  to  give  a  higher 
charm  to  his  rural  occupations.  In  fig.  24,  is  shown 
part  of  an  embellished  farm,  treated  in  the  picturesque  style 
throughout.  The  various  fields,  under  grass  or  tillage,  are 
divided  and  bounded  by  winding  roads,  a,  bordered  by 
hedges  of  buckthorn,  cedar,  and  hawthorn,  instead  of 
wooden  fences  ;    the  roads    being   wide  enough  to  afford 


100 


LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 


[Fig.  24 


a  Picturesque  farm,  (fermeornee).'] 


a  pleasant  drive  or  walk,  so  as  to  allow  the  owner  or  visitor 
to  enjoy  at  the  same  time  an  agreeable  circuit,  and  a  glance  at 
all  the  various  crops,  and  modes  of  culture.  In  the  plan  before 
uSj  the  approach  from  the  public  road,  is  at  b  ;  the  dwell- 
ing at  c  ;  the  barns  and  farm-buildings  at  d  ;  the  kitchen 
garden  at  e  ;  and  the  orchard  at  /.  About  the  house  are 
distributed  some  groups  of  trees,  and  here  the  fields,  g,  are 
kept  in  grass,  and  are  either  mown  or  pastured.  The  fields  in 
crops  are  designated  A,  on  the  plan  ;  and  a  few  picturesque 
groups  of  trees  are  planted,  or  allowed  to  remain,  in  these, 
to  keep  up  the  general  character  of  the  place.  A  low  dell, 
or  rocky  thicket,  is  situated  at  i.  Exceedingly  interesting 
and  agreeable  effects  may  be  produced,  at  little  cost,  in  a 
picturesque  farm  of  this  kind.  The  hedges  may  be  of  a 
great  variety  of  suitable  shrubs,  and,  in  addition  to  those 


ON    WOOD    AND    PLANTATIONS.  101 

that  we  have  named,  we  would  introduce  others  of  the 
sweet  brier,  the  Michigan  or  prairie  rose,  (admirably  adapted 
for  the  purpose,)  the  flowering  crab,  and  the  hke — beautiful 
and  fragrant  in  their  growth  and  blossoms.  These  hedges  we 
would  cause  to  grow  thick,  rather  by  interlacing  the  branches, 
than  by  constant  shearing  or  trimming,  which  would  give 
them  a  less  formal,  and  a  more  free  and  natural  air.  The 
winding  lanes  traversing  the  farm,  need  only  be  gravelled 
near  the  house, — m  other  portions  being  left  in  grass, 
which  will  need  little  care,  as  it  will  generally  be  kept  short 
enough  by  the  passing  of  men  and  vehicles  over  it. 

A  picturesque  or  ornamental  farm  like  this,  would  be  an 
agreeable  residence  for  a  gentleman,  retiring  into  the  country 
on  a  small  farm,  desirous  of  experimenting  for  himself,  with 
all  the  new  modes  of  culture.  The  small  and  irregular 
fields,  would,  to  him,  be  rather  an  advantage,  and  there 
would  be  an  air  of  novelty  and  interest  about  the  whole 
residence.  Such  an  arrangement  as  this,  would  also  be 
suitable  for  a  fruit  farm,  near  one  of  our  large  towns,  the 
fields  being  occupied  by  orchards,  vines,  grass  and  grain. 
The  house,  and  all  the  buildings,  should  be  of  a  simple, 
though  picturesque  and  accordant  character. 

The  cottage  ornee  may  have  more  or  less  ground  attached 
to  it.  It  is  the  ambition  of  some  to  have  a  great  house  and 
little  land,  and  of  others,  (among  whom  we  remember 
the  poet  Cowley,)  to  have  a  little  house  and  a  large  garden. 
The  latter  would  seem  to  be  the  more  natural  taste.  When 
the  grounds  of  a  cottage  are  large,  they  will  be  treated  by 
the  landscape  gardener  nearly  like  those  of  a  villa  residence ; 
when  they  are  smaller,  a  more  quiet  and  simple  character 
must  be  aimed  at.  But,  even  where  they  consist  of  only 
a  rood  or  two,  something  tasteful  and  pretty  may  be  ar- 


102 


LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 


ranged.*  In  fig.  25,  is  shown  a  small  piece  of  ground,  on 
one  side  of  a  cottage,  in  which  a  picturesque  character  is 
attempted  to  be  maintained.  The  plantations  here,  are 
made  mostly  with  shrubs  instead  of  trees,  the  latter  being 
only  sparingly  introduced,  for  the  want  of  room.  In  the 
disposition  of  these  shrubs,  however,  the  same  attention  to 
picturesque  effect  is  paid  as  we  have  already  pointed  out 
in  our  remarks  on  grouping  ;  and  by  connecting  the  thickets 
and  groups  here  and  there,  so  as  to  conceal  one  walk  from 
the  other,  a  surprising  variety  and  effect  will  frequently  be 
produced,  in  an  exceedingly  limited  spot. 

The  same  limited  grounds  might 


be  planted  in  the  graceful  manner 
■*"  with    good  effect ;    choosing,   in 
this  case,  shrubs  of  symmetrical 
growth  and  fine  forms,  planting 
$  and   grouping    them    somewhat 
t^  singly,  and  allowing  every  speci- 
men to  attain  its  fullest  luxuri- 
0b  ance  of  development. 

In  making  these  arrangements, 
[Fig.  25.  Ground,  of  a  Cottage  om.e.:i  Gvcu  lu  thc  Small  arca  of  a  fourth 
of  an  acre,  we  should  study  the  same  principles,  and 
endeavour  to  produce  the  same  harmony  of  effects,  as  if 
we  were  improving  a  mansion  residence  of  the  first  class. 
The  extent  of  the  operations,  and  the  sums  lavished,  are 
not  by  any  means  necessarily  connected  with  successful 
and  pleasing  results.  The  man  of  correct  taste  will,  by  the 
aid  of  very  limited  means,  and  upon  a  small  surface,  be  able 


*  For  a  variety  of  modes  of  treating  the  grounds  of  small  places,  see  our  Designs 

for  Cottage  Residences. 


ON    WOOD    AND    PLANTATIONS.  103 

to  afford  the  mind  more  true  pleasure,  than  the  improver  who 
lavishes  thousands  without  it,  creating  no  other  emotion  than 
surprise  or  pity  at  the  useless  expenditure  incurred  ;  and  the 
Abbe  Delille  says  nothing  more  true  than  that, 


"  Ce  noble  emploi  demand  un  artiste  qui  pense, 
Prodigue  de  genie,  et  non  pas  de  depense." 


From  the  inspection  of  plans  like  these,  the  tyro  may  learn 
something  of  the  manner  of  arranging  plantations,  and 
of  the  general  effect  of  the  natural  style,  in  particular  cases 
and  situations.  But  the  knowledge  they  afford,  is  so  far  be- 
low that  obtained  by  an  inspection  of  the  effects  in  reality, 
that  the  latter  should,  in  all  cases,  be  preferred,  where  it  is 
practicable.  In  this  style,  unlike  the  ancient,  it  is  almost 
impossible  that  the  same  plan  should  exactly  suit  any  other 
situation  than  that  for  which  it  was  intended,  for  its  great 
excellence  lies  in  the  endless  variety  produced  by  its  appli- 
cation to  different  sites,  situations,  and  surfaces  ;  developing 
the  latent  capacities  of  one  place  and  heightening  the  charms 
of  another. 

But  the  leading  principles,  as  regards  the  formation  of 
plantations,  which  we  have  here  endeavoured  briefly  to  elu- 
cidate, are  the  same  in  all  cases.  After  becoming  familiar 
with  these,  should  the  amateur  landscape  gardener  be  at  a  loss 
how  to  proceed,  he  can  hardly  do  better,  as  we  have  before 
suggested,  than  to  study  and  recur  often  to  the  beautiful 
compositions  and  combinations  of  nature,  displayed  in  her 
majestic  groups,  masses,  and  single  trees,  as  well  as  open 
glades  and  deep  thickets ;  of  which,  fortunately,  in  most  parts 
of  our  country,  checkered  here  and  there,  as  it  is,  with 
beautiful  and  picturesque    scenery,  tliere  is    no  dearth    or 


10  4  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

scarcity.  Keeping  these  few  principles  in  his  mind,  he 
will  be  able  to  detect  new  beauties,  and  transfer  them  to  his 
own  estate  ;  for  nature  is  truly  inexhaustible  in  her  re- 
sources of  the  beautiful. 

Classification  of  trees,  as  to  expression.  The 
amateur,  who  wishes  to  dispose  his  plantations  in  the 
natural  style  of  Landscape  Gardening,  so  as  to  produce  grace- 
ful or  picturesque  landscape,  will  be  greatly  aided  by  a  study 
of  the  peculiar  expression  of  trees  individually,  and  in  com- 
position. The  effect  of  a  certain  tree,  singly,  is  often  exceed- 
ingly different  from  that  of  a  group  of  the  same  trees.  To 
be  fully  aware  of  the  effect  of  groups  and  masses,  requires 
considerable  study,  and  the  progress  in  this  study  may  be 
greatly  facilitated  by  a  recurrence  from  groups  in  nature,  to 
groups  in  pictures. 

As  a  farther  aid  to  this  most  desirable  species  of  informa- 
tion, we  shall  offer  a  few  remarks  on  the  principal  varieties 
of  character  afforded  by  trees  in  composition. 

Almost  all  trees,  with  relation  to  forms,  may  be  divi- 
ded into  three  kinds  viz  :  round-headed  trees,  oblong  or  pi/- 
rarnidal  trees,  and  spiry-topped  trees  ;  and  so  far  as  the 
expressions  of  the  different  species  comprised  in  these  distinct 
classes  are  concerned,  they  are,  especially  when  viewed  at 
a  distance,  (as  much  of  the  wood  seen  in  a  prospect  of  any 
extent,  necesssarily,  must  be,)  productive  of  nearly  the  same 
general  effects. 

Round-headed  trees  compose  by  far  the  largest  of  these 
divisions.  The  term  includes  all  those  trees  which  have  an 
irregular  surface  in  their  boughs,  more  or  less 
varied  in  outline,  but  exhibiting  in  the  whole 
[Fig. 26.  Rouud-heaii-     a  top  Or  hcad,  coinparatively  round;   as  the 

ed  Trees.] 

oak,  ash,  beech,  and  walnut.     They  are  generally  beau- 


ON   WOOD    AND    PLANTATIONS.  105 

tiful  when  young,  from  their  smoothness,  and  the  elegance 
of  their  forms  ;  but  often  grow  picturesque,  when  age  and 
time  have  had  an  opportunity  to  produce  their  wonted  effects 
upon  them.  In  general,  however,  the  different  round-headed 
trees  may  be  considered  as  the  most  appropriate  for  introduc- 
tion in  highly  cultivated  scenery,  or  landscapes  where 
the  character  is  that  of  graceful  or  polished  beauty ;  as  they 
harmonize  with  almost  all  scenes,  buildings,  and  natuTal  or 
artificial  objects,  uniting  well  with  other  forms,  and  doing 
violence  to  no  expression  of  scenery.  From  the  numerous 
breaks  in  the  surface  of  their  foliage,  which  reflect  differently 
the  lights,  and  produce  deep  shadows,  there  is  great  intricacy 
and  variety  in  the  heads  of  many  round-topped  trees  ;  and 
therefore,  as  an  outer  surface,  to  meet  the  eye  in  a  plantation, 
they  are  much  softer  and  more  pleasing,  than  the  un- 
broken line  exhibited  by  the  sides  of  oblong  or  spiry-topped 
trees.  The  sky-outline,  also,  or  the  upper  part  of  the  head, 
varies  greatly  in  romid  topped  trees,  from  the  irregularity  in 
the  disposition  of  the  upper  branches  in  different  species,  as 
the  oak  and  ash,  or  even  between  individual  specimens  of 
the  same  kind  of  tree,  as  the  oak,  of  which  we  rarely  see 
two  trees  alike  in  form  and  outline,  although  they  have  the 
same  characteristic  expression ;  while,  on  the  other  hand, 
no  two  verdant  objects  can  bear  a  greater  general  resem- 
blance to  each  other,  and  show  more  sameness  of  figure, 
than  two  Lombardy  poplars.' 

"  In  a  tree,"  says  Uvedale  Price,  "  of  which  the  foliage  is 
everywhere  full  and  unbroken,  there  can  be  but  little  variety 
of  form  ;  then,  as  the  sun  strikes  only  on  the  surface,  neither' 
can  there  be  much  variety  of  light  and  shade  ;  and  as 
the  apparent  colour  of  objects  changes  according  to  the  different 
degrees  of  light  or  shade  in  which  they  are  placed,  there  can 

14 


106  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

be  as  little  variety  of  tint :  and  lastly,  as  there  are  none  of 
these  openings  that  excite  and  nourish  curiosity,  but  the  eye 
is  everywhere  opposed  by  one  uniform  leafy  screen,  there 
can  be  as  little  intricacy  as  variety."  From  these  remarks, 
it  win  be  perceived,  that  even  among  round-headed  trees,  there 
may  be  great  difference  in  the  comparative  beauty  of  different 
sorts ;  and  judging  from  the  excellent  standard  here  laid 
down,  it  will  also  be  seen  how  much,  in  the  eye  of  a  painter, 
a  tree  with  a  beautifully  diversified  surface,  as  the  oak,  sur- 
passes, in  the  composition  of  a  scene,  one  with  a  very  regular 
and  compact  surface  and  outline,  as  the  horse-chestnut.  In 
planting  large  masses  of  wood,  therefore,  or  even  in  forming 
large  groups  in  park  scenery,  round-headed  trees,  of  the  ordi- 
nary loose  and  varied  manner  of  growth  conmion  in  the  ma- 
jority of  forest  trees,  are  greatly  to  be  preferred  to  all  others. 
When  they  cover  large  tracts,  as  several  acres,  they  convey 
an  emotion  of  grandeur  to  the  mind ;  when  they  form  vast 
forests  of  thousands  of  acres,  they  produce  a  feeling  of  suh- 
limity  ;  in  the  landscape  garden  when  they  stand  alone,  or 
in  fine  groups,  they  are  graceful,  or  beautiful.  While 
young,  they  have  an  elegant  appearance  ;  when  old,  they 
generally  become  majestic  or  picturesque.  Other  trees  may 
suit  scenery,  or  scenes,  of  particular  and  decided  characters  ; 
hutround-headed  trees  are,  decidedly,  the  chief  adornment  of 
general  landscape. 

Spiry-topped  trees,  (fig.  27,)  are  distinguished  by  straight 
leading  stems  and  horizontal  branches,  which  are  compara- 
tively small,  and  taper  gradually  to  a  point. 
The  foliage  is  generally  evergreen,  and  in 
most  trees  of  this  class,  hangs  in  parallel  or 
[Fij.  27.^spiry-top,,ed    (Jroopiug    tufts   from  the   branches.      The 
various  evergreen  trees,  composing  the  spruce  and  iir  families, 


ON   WOOD    AND    PLANTATIONS.  107 

most  of  the  pines,  the  cedar,  and,  among  deciduous  trees,  the 
larch,  belong  to  this  division.  Their  hue  is  generally  much 
darker  than  that  of  deciduous  trees,  and  there  is  a  strong 
similarity,  or  almost  sameness,  in  the  different  kinds  of  trees 
which  may  properly  be  called  spiry-topped. 

From  their  sameness  of  form  and  surface,  this  class  of  trees, 
when  planted  in  large  tracts  or  masses,  gives  much'lessjplea- 
sure  than  round-headed  trees ;  and  the  eye  is  soon  wearied 
with  the  monotony  of  appearance  presented  by  long  rows, 
groups,  or  masses,  of  the  same  form,  outline,  and  appear- 
ance ;  to  say  nothing  of  the  effect  of  the  uniform  dark  colour, 
unrelieved  by  the  warmer  tints  of  deciduous  trees.  Any 
one  can  bear  testimony  to  this,  who  has  travelled  through  a 
pine,  hemlock,  or  fir  forest,  where  he  could  not  fail  to  be 
struck  with  its  gloom,  tediousness,  and  monotony,  especially 
when  contrasted  with  the  variety  and  beauty  in  a  natural 
wood  of  deciduous,  round-headed  trees. 

Although  spiry-topped  trees,  in  large  masses,  cannot  be 
generally  admired  for  ornamental  plantations,  yet  they  have 
a  character  of  their  own,  which  is  very  striking  and  peculiar, 
and,  we  may  add,  in  a  high  degree  valuable  to  the  Land- 
scape Gardener.  Their  general  expression,  when  single  or 
scattered,  is  extremely  spirited,  wild  and  picturesque  ;  and 
when  judiciously  introduced  into  artificial  scenery,  they  pro- 
duce the  most  charming  and  unique  effects,  "  The  situa- 
tions where  they  have  most  effect,  is  among  rocks,  and  in 
very  irregular  surfaces  ;  and  especially  on  the  steep  sides 
of  high  mountains,  where  their  forms  and  the  direction  of 
their  growth,  seem  to  harmonize  with  the  pointed  rocky  sum- 
mits." Fir  and  pine  forests  are  extremely  dull  and  monoto- 
nous in  sandy  plains,  and  smooth  surfaces,  (as  in  the  pine 
barrens  of  the  southern  states) ;  but  among  the  broken  rocks, 


108  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

craggy  precipices,  and  otherwise  endlessly  varied  surfaces, 
(as  in  the  Alps,  abroad,  and  the  various  rocky  heights  in  the 
Highlands  of  the  Hudson  and  the  Alleghanies,  at  home.)  they 
are  full  of  variety.  It  will  readily  be  seen,  therefore,  that  spiry- 
topped  trees  should  always  be  planted  in  considerable  quan- 
tities in  wild,  broken,  and  picturesque  scenes,  where  they  will 
appear  perfectly  in  keepmg,  and  add  wonderfully  to  the  pecu- 
liar beauty  of  the  situation.  In  all  grounds,  where  there  are 
abruptly  varied  surfaces,  steep  banks,  or  rocky  precipices,  this 
class  of  trees  lends  its  efficient  aid  to  strengthen  the  prevail- 
ing beauty,  and  to  complete  the  finish  of  the  picture.  In 
smooth  level  surfaces,  though  spiry-topped  trees  carmot  be 
thus  extensively  employed,  they  are  by  no  means  to  be  neg- 
lected or  thought  valueless,  but  may  be  so  combined  and 
iningled  with  other  round-headed  and  oblong-headed  trees, 
as  to  produce  very  rich  and  pleasing  effects.  A  tall  larch  or 
two,  or  a  few  spruces,  rising  out  of  the  centre  of  a  group, 
give  it  life  and  spirit,  and  add  greatly,  both  by  contrast 
of  form  and  colour,  to  the  force  of  round-headed  trees.  A 
stately  and  regular  white  pine,  or  hemlock,  or  a  few  thin 
groups  of  the  same  trees,  peeping  out  from  amidst,  or  border- 
ing, a  large  mass  of  deciduous  trees,  have  great  power  in  ad- 
ding to  the  interest  which  the  same  awakens  in  the  mind 
of  the  spectator.  Care  must  be  taken,  however,  that  the  very 
spirited  effect  which  is  here  aimed  at,  is  not  itself  defeated  by 
the  over  anxiety  of  the  planter,  who,  in  scattering  too  profuse- 
ly these  very  strongly  marked  trees,  makes  them,  at  last,  so 
plentiful,  as  to  give  the  whole  a  mingled  and  confused  look  ; 
in  which  neither  the  graceful  and  sweeping  outlines  of  the 
round-headed,  nor  the  picturesque  summits  of  the  spiry-topped 
trees  predominate ;  as  the  former  decidedly  should,  in  all 
scenes  where  the  expression  is  not  stronger  than  that  of  mere 
graceful  beauty. 


ON    WOOD    AND    PLANTATIONS.  109 

The  larch,  to  which  we  shall  hereafter  recur  at  some 
length,  may  be  considered  one  of  the  most  picturesque  trees 
of  this  division  ;  and  being  more  rapid  in  its  growth  than 
most  evergreens,  it  may  be  used  as  a  substitute  for,  or  in  con- 
junction with  them,  where  effect  is  speedily  desired. 

Oblong-headed  trees,  show  heads  of  foliage  more  length- 
ened out,  more  formal,  and  generally  more  tapering,  than 
round-headed  ones.  They  differ  from  spiry-top- 
ped  trees,  in  having  upright  branches,  instead  of 
horizontal  ones,  and  in  forming  a  conical  or  pyra- 
^^hf,dcd  Tre'es"! '  uiidal  mass  of  foliage,  instead  of  a  spiry,  tufted 
one.  They  are  mostly  deciduous ;  and  approaching  more 
nearly  to  round-headed  trees,  than  spiry-topped  ones  do,  they 
may  perhaps  be  more  frequently  introduced.  The  Lombardy 
poplar  may  be  considered  the  representative  of  this  division  ; 
as  the  oak  is  of  the  first,  and  the  larch  and  fir  of  the  second. 
Abroad,  the  oriental  cypress,  an  evergreen,  is  used,  to  pro- 
duce similar  effects  in  scenery. 

The  great  use  of  the  Lombardy  poplar,  and  other  similar 
trees,  in  composition,  is  to  relieve,  or  break  into  groups,  large 
masses  of  wood.  This  it  does  very  efiectually,  when  its  tall 
summit  rises  at  intervals  from  among  round-headed  trees, 
forming  pyramidal  centres  to  groups,  where  there  was  only 
a  swelling  and  flowing  outline.  Formal  rows,  or  groups  of 
oblong-headed  trees,  however,  are  tiresome  and  monotonous 
to  the  last  degree  ;  a  straight  line  of  them  being  scarcely  bet- 
ter in  appearance,  than  a  tall,  stiff,  gigantic  hedge.  Examples 
of  this  can  be  easily  found  in  many  parts  of  the  Union,  where 
the  crude  and  formal  taste  of  proprietors,  by  leading  them  to 
plant  long  lines  of  Lombardy  poplars,  has  had  the  effect  of 
destroying  the  beauty  of  many  a  fine  prospect  and  building. 
Conical,  or  oblong-headed  trees,  when  carefully  employed, 


110  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

are  very  effective  for  purposes  of  contrast^  in  conjunction 
with  horizontal  lines  of  buildings,  such  as  we  see  in  Grecian 
or  Italian  architecture.  Near  such  edifices,  sparingly  irir 
traduced,  and  mingled,  in  small  jiroportion,  with  round- 
headed  trees,  they  contrast  advantageously  with  the  long 
cornices,  flat  roofs,  and  horizontal  lines,  that  predominate  in 
their  exteriors.  Lombardy  poplars  are,  often,  thus  introduced 
in  pictures  of  Italian  scenery,  where  they  sometimes  break 
the  formality  of  a  long  line  of  wall,  in  the  happiest  manner. 
Nevertheless,  if  they  should  be  indiscriminately  employed, 
or  even  used  in  any  considerable  proportion,  in  the  decora- 
tion of  the  ground  immediately  adjoining  a  building  of  any 
pretensions,  they  would  inevitably  defeat  this  purpose,  and 
by  their  tall  and  formal  growth,  diminish  the  apparent 
magnitude,  as  well  as  the  elegance  of  the  house. 

Drooping  trees,  though  often  classed  with  oblong-headed 
trees,  differ  from  them  in  so  many  particulars,  that  they 
deserve  to  be  ranked  under  a  separate  head.  To  this  class 
belong  the  weeping  willow,  the  weeping  birch,  the  drooping 
elm,  etc.  Their  prominent  characteristics  are  gracefulness, 
and  elegance  ;  and  we  consider  them  as  imfit,  therefore,  to 
be  employed,  to  any  extent^  in  scenes  where  it  is  desirable 
to  keep  up  the  expression  of  a  wild  or  highly  picturesque 
character.  As  single  objects,  or  tastefully  grouped  in 
graceful  landscape,  they  are  in  excellent  keeping,  and 
contribute  much  to  give  value  to  the  leading  expres- 
sion. 

When  drooping  trees  are  mixed  indiscriminately  with  other 
round-headed  trees,  in  the  composition  of  groups  or  masses, 
much  of  their  individual  character  is  lost,  as  it  depends,  not 
so  much  on  the  top,  (as  in  oblong  and  spiry  trees,)  as  upon  the 
side  branches,  which  are,  of  course,  concealed  by  those  of  the 


ON   WOOD    AND    PLANTATIONS.  Ill 

adjoining  trees.  Drooping  trees,  therefore,  as  elms,  birches, 
etc.,  are  shown  to  the  best  advantage  on  the  borders  of  groups, 
or  the  boundaries  of  plantations.  It  must  not  be  forgotten,  but 
constantly  kept  in  mind,  that  all  strongly  marked  trees,  like 
bright  colors  m  pictures,  only  admit  of  occasional  employ- 
ment ;  and  that  the  very  object  aimed  at  in  introducing  them, 
will  be  defeated,  if  they  are  brought  into  the  lawn  and  park 
in  masses,  and  distributed  heedlessly  on  every  side.  An 
English  author  very  justly  remarks,  therefore,  that  the  pop- 
lar, the  willow,  and  the  drooping  birch,  are  "  most  dangerous 
trees  in  the  hands  of  a  planter  who  has  not  considerable 
knowledge  and  good  taste  in  the  composition  of  a  landscape." 
Some  of  them,  as  the  native  elm,  from  their  abounding  in 
our  own  woods,  may  appear  oftener ;  while  others,  which 
have  a  peculiar  and  exotic  look,  as  the  weeping  willow, 
should  only  be  seen  in  situations  where  they  either  do  not 
disturb  the  prevailing  expression,  or,  (which  is  better,)  where 
they  are  evidently  in  good  keeping.  "  The  weeping  willow," 
says  Gilpin,  with  his  usual  good  taste,  "  is  not  adapted  to 
sublime  objects.  We  wish  it  not  to  screen  the  broken  but- 
tress and  Gothic  windows  of  an  abbey,  or  to  overshadow  the 
battlements  of  a  ruined  castle.  These  offices  it  resigns  to  the 
oak,  whose  dignity  can  support  them.  The  weeping  willow 
seeks  an  humble  scene,  —  some  romantic  footpath  bridge, 
which  it  half  conceals,  or  some  glassy  pool  over  which  it 
hangs  its  streaming  foliage, 

'  And  dips 

Its  pendant  boughs,  as  if  to  drink.'  "* 

The  manner  in  which  a  picturesque  bit  of  landscape  can 

*  Forest  Scenery,  p.  133. 


112  LANDSCAPE  GARDENING. 

be  supported  by  picturesque  spiry-topped  trees,  and  its  ex- 
pression degraded  by  the  injudicious  employment  of  grace- 
ful drooping  trees,  will  be  apparent  to  the  reader  in  the  two 
accompanying  little  sketches.  In  the  first,  (fig.  29,)  the  ab- 
rupt hill,  the  rapid  mountain  torrent, 
and  the  distant  Alpine  summits,  are 
in  fine  keeping  with  the  tall  spiry 
larches  and  firs,  which,  shooting  up 
[Fig.  29?  TvirTkeeiiing.]  0^  cithcr  sldc  of  tho  old  bridge,  oc- 
cupy the  foreground.  In  the  second,  (fig.  30,)  there  is  evi- 
dently something  discordant  in  the  scene,  which  strikes  the 
spectator,  at  first  sight,  this  is  the  misplaced  introduction  of 
the  large  willows,  which  belong  to  a  scene  very  different  in 
character.  Imagine  a  removal  of  the 
surrounding  hills,  and  let  the  rapid 
stream  spread  out  into  a  smooth 
peaceful  lake,  with  gradually  retiring 
[Fig.  30.  Trees  outof  keeping.]  shorcs,  aud  thc  bluc  summlts  in  the 
distance,  and  then  the  willows  will  harmonize  admirably. 

Having  now  described  the  peculiar  characteristics  of  these 
different  classes  of  round-headed,  spiry-topped,  oblong,  and 
drooping  trees,  we  should  consider  the  proper  method  by 
which  a  harmonious  combination  of  the  different  forms  com- 
posing them,  may  be  made,  so  as  not  to  violate  correct  princi- 
ples of  taste.  An  indiscriminate  mixture  of  their  different 
forms  would,  it  is  evident,  produce  any  thing  but  an  agree- 
able effect.  For  example,  let  a  person  plant  together  in  a 
group,  three  trees  of  totally  opposite  forms  and  expressions, 
viz :  a  weeping  willow,  an  oak,  and  a  poplar ;  and  the  expres- 
sion of  the  whole  would  be  destroyed  by  the  confusion  re- 
sulting from  their  discordant  forms.  On  the  other  hand,  the 
mixture  of  trees  that  exactly  correspond  in  their  forms,  if 


ON   WOOD    AND    PLANTATIONS.  113 

these  forms,  as  in  oblong  or  drooping  trees,  are  similar,  will 
infallibly  create  sameness.  In  order  then  to  produce  beauti- 
ful variety,  which  shall  neither,  on  the  one  side,  run  into  con- 
fusion, nor  on  the  other,  verge  into  monotony,  it  is  re- 
quisite to  give  some  little  attention  to  the  harmony  of  form 
and  colour  in  the  composition  of  trees  in  artificial  planta- 
tions. 

The  only  rules  which  we  can  suggest  to  govern  the  planter 
are  these  :  First,  if  a  certain  leading  expression  is  desired  in 
a  group  of  trees,  together  with  as  great  a  variety  as  possible, 
such  species  must  be  chosen  as  harmonize  with  each  other 
in  certain  leading  points.  And,  secondly,  in  occasionally 
intermingling  trees  of  opposite  characters,  discordance  may 
be  prevented,  and  harmonious  expression  promoted,  by  in- 
terposing other  trees  of  an  intermediate  character. 

In  the  first  case,  suppose  it  is  desired  to  form  a  group 
of  trees,  in  which  gracefulness  must  be  the  leading  expres- 
sion. The  willow  alone  would  have  the  effect ;  but  in 
groups,  willows  alone  produce  sameness  :  in  order,  therefore, 
to  give  variety,  we  must  choose  other  trees  which,  while  they 
diifer  from  the  willow  in  some  particulars,  agree  in  others. 
The  elm  has  much  larger  and  darker  foliage,  while  it  has 
also  a  drooping  spray  ;  the  weeping  birch  differs  in  its  leaves, 
but  agrees  in  the  pensile  flow  of  its  branches  ;  the  common 
birch  has  few  pendant  boughs,  but  resembles  in  the  airy 
lightness  of  its  leaves  ;  and  the  three-thorned  acacia,  though 
its  branches  are  horizontal,  as  delicate  foliage  of  nearly  the 
same  hue  and  floating  lightness  as  the  willow.  Here  we 
have  a  group  of  five  trees,  which  is,  in  the  whole,  full  of 
gracefulness  and  variety,  while  there  is  nothing  in  the  com- 
position inharmonious  to  the  practised  eye. 

To  illustrate  the  second  case,  let  us  suppose  a  long  sweep- 

15 


114  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

ing  outline  of  maples,  birches,  and  other  light,  mellow-colour- 
ed trees,  which  the  improver  wishes  to  vary,  and  break  into 
groups,  by  spiry  topped,  evergreen  trees.  It  is  evident,  that 
if  these  trees  were  planted  in  such  a  mamier  as  to  peer  ab- 
ruptly out  of  the  light-colored  foliage  of  the  former  trees, 
in  dark,  or  almost  black  masses  of  tapering  verdure,  the  effect 
would  be  by  no  means  so  satisfactory  and  pleasing,  as  if  there 
were  a  partial  transition  from  the  mellow,  pale-green  of  the 
maples,  etc.,  to  the  darker  hues  of  the  oak,  ash,  or  beech,  and 
finally  the  sombre  tint  of  the  evergreens.  Thus  much  for 
the  colouring ;  and  if,  in  addition  to  this,  oblong-headed 
trees,  or  pyramidal  trees,  were  also  placed  near  j^and  partly 
intermingled  with  the  spiiy-topped  ones,  the  unity  of  the 
whole  composition  would  be  still  more  complete.* 

Contrasts,  again,  are  often  admissible  in  woody  scenery, 
and  we  would  not  wish  to  lose  many  of  our  most  superb 
trees,  because  they  could  not  be  introduced  in  particular 
portions  of  landscape.  Contrasts  in  trees  may  be  so  violent 
as  to  be  displeasing  ;  as  in  the  example  of  the  groups  of  the 
three  trees,  the  willow,  poplar,  and  oak :  or  they  may  be 
such  as  to  produce  spirited  and  pleasing  effects.  This  must 
be  effected  by  planting  the  different  divisions  of  trees,  first, 


*  We  are  persuaded  that  very  few  persons  are  aware  of  the  beauty,  varied  and 
endless,  that  may  be  produced  by  arranging  trees  with  regard  to  their  colouring.  It 
requires  the  eye  and  genius  of  a  Claude,  or  a  Poussin,  to  develope  all  these  hidden 
beauties  of  harmonious  combination.  Gilpin  rightly  says,  in  speaking  of  the  dark 
Scotch  fir,  "  with  regard  to  colour  in  general,  I  think  I  speak  the  language  of  paint- 
ing, when  I  assert  that  the  picturesque  eye  makes  little  distinction  in  this  matter. 
It  has  no  attachment  to  one  colour  in  preference  to  another,  but  considers  the  beauty 
of  all  colouring  as  resulting,  not  from  the  colours  themselves,  but  almost  entirely 
from  their  harmony  with  other  colours  in  their  neighbourhood.  So  that  as  the 
Scotdh  fir  tree  is  combined  or  stationed,  it  forms  a  beautiful  umbrage  or  a  murky 
spot." 


ON   WOOD    AND   PLANTATIONS. 


115 


in  small  leading  groups,  and  then  by  effecting  a  union  be- 
tween the  groups  of  different  character,  by  intermingling 
those  of  the  nearest  similarity  into  and  near  the  groups  :  in 
this  way,  by  easy  transitions  from  the  drooping  to  the  round- 
headed,  and  from  these  to  the  tapering  trees,  the  whole  of 
the  foliage  and  forms,  harmonize  well. 


[Pig.  31.    Example  in  grouping. 3 

"  Trees,"  observes  Mr.  Whately,  in  his  elegant  treatise  on 
this  subject,  "  which  differ  in  but  one  of  these  circumstances, 
of  shape,  green,  or  growth,  though  they  agree  in  every  other, 
are  sufficiently  distinguished  for  the  purpose  of  variety :  if 
they  differ  in  two  or  three,  they  become  contrasts  :  if  in  all, 
they  are  opposite,  and  seldom  group  well  together.  Those, 
on  the  contrary,  which  are  of  one  character,  and  are  distin- 
guished only  as  the  characteristic  mark  is  strongly  or  faintly 
impressed  upon  them,  form  a  beautiful  mass,  and  unity  is 
preserved  without  sameness."* 

There  is  another  circumstance  connected  with  the  colour 
of  trees,  that  will  doubtless  suggest  itself  to  the  improver  of 
taste,  the  knowledge  of  which  may  sometimes  be  turned  to 
valuable  account.  We  mean  the  effects  produced  in  the  ap- 
parent colouring  of  a  landscape  by  distance,  which  painters 
term  aerial  perspective.     Standing  at  a  certain  position  in  a 


*  Observations  on  Modern  Gardening. 


116  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

scene,  the  colouring  is  deep,  rich,  and  full  in  the  foreground, 
more  tender  and  mellow  in  the  middle-ground,  and  softening 
to  a  pale  tint  in  the  distance. 

"Where  to  the  eye  three  well  marked  distances 
Spread  their  peculiar  colouring,  vivid  green, 
Warm  brown,  and  black  opake  the  foreground  bears 
Conspicuous  :  sober  olive  coldly  marks 
The  second  distance :  thence  the  third  declines 
In  softer  blue,  or  lessening  still,  is  lost 
In  fainted  purple.    When  thy  taste  is  call'd 
To  deck  a  scene  where  nature's  self  presents 
All  these  distinct  gradations,  then  rejoice 
As  does  the  Painter,  and  like  him  apply 
Thy  colours :  plant  thou  on  each  separate  part 
Its  proper  foliage." 

Advantage  may  occasionally  be  taken  of  this  peculiarity  in 
the  gradation  of  colour,  in  Landscspe  Gardening,  by  the  crea- 
tion, as  it  were,  of  an  artificial  distance.  In  grounds  and 
scenes  of  limited  extent,  the  apparent  size  and  breadth  may 
be  increased,  by  planting  a  majority  of  the  trees  in  the  fore- 
ground, of  dark  tints,  and  the  boundary  with  foliage  of  a  much 
lighter  hue.  In  the  same  way,  the  apparent  breadth  of  a  piece 
of  water  will  be  greatly  added  to,  by  placing  the  paler  color- 
ed trees  on  the  shore  opposite  to  the  spectator.  These  hints 
will  suggest  other  ideas  and  examples  of  a  similar  nature, 
to  the  minds  of  those  who  are  alive  to  the  more  minute  and 
exquisite  beauties  of  the  landscape. 

An  acquaintance,  individually,  with  the  diiFerent  species  of 
trees  of  indigenous  and  foreign  growth,  which  may  be  culti- 
vated with  success  in  this  climate,  is  absolutely  essential  to 
the  amateur,  or  the  professor  of  Landscape  Gardening.  The 
tardiness  or  rapidity  of  their  growth,  the  periods  at  which 


ON   WOOD    AND    PLANTATIONS.  117 

their  leaves  and  flowers  expand,  the  soils  they  love  best,  and 
their  various  habits  and  characters,  are  all  subjects  of  the  high- 
est interest  to  him.  In  short,  as  a  love  of  the  country  almost 
commences  with  a  knowledge  of  its  peculiar  characteristics, 
the  pure  air,  the  fresh  enamelled  turf,  and  the  luxuriance  and 
beauty  of  the  whole  landscape  ;  so  the  taste  for  the  embel- 
lishment of  Rural  Residences,  must  grow  out  of  an  admiration 
for  beautiful  trees,  and  the  delightful  effects  they  are  capable 
of  producing  in  the  hands  of  persons  of  taste,  and  lovers  of 
nature. 

Admitting  this,  we  think,  in  the  comparatively  meagre  state 
of  general  information  on  this  subject  among  us,  we  shall 
render  an  acceptable  service  to  the  novice,  by  giving  a  some- 
what detailed  description  of  the  character  and  habits  of  most 
of  the  finest  hardy  forest  and  ornamental  trees.  Among  those 
living  in  the  country,  there  are  many  who  care  little  for  the 
beauties  of  Landscape  Gardening,  who  are  yet  interested  in 
those  trees  which  are  remarkable  for  the  beauty  of  their 
forms,  their  foliage,  their  blossoms,  or  their  useful  purposes- 
This,  we  hope,  will  be  a  sufficient  explanation  for  the  ap- 
parently disproportionate  number  of  pages  which  we  shall 
devote  to  this  part  of  our  subject. 


118  LANDSCAPE  GARDENING. 


SECTION  IV. 

DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  ^ 

The  History  and  Description  of  all  the  finest  hardy  Deciduous  Trees.  Remarks  on  theie 
EFFECTS  IN  LANDSCAPK  GARDENING,  INDIYIDUALLT  AND  IN  COMPOSITION.  Their  Cultiva- 
tion, etc.  The  Oak.  The  Elm.  The  Ash.  The  Linden.  The  Beech.  The  Poplar.  The 
Horse-chestnut  The  Birch.  The  Alder.  The  Maple.  The  Locust  The  Three-thorned 
Acacia.  The  Judas-tiee.  The  Chestnut  The  Osage  Orange.  The  Mulberry.  The  Paper 
Mulberry.  The  Sweet  Gum.  The  Walnut  The  Hickory.  The  Mountain  Ash.  The 
Ailantus.  The  Kentucky  Coffee.  The  Willow.  The  Sassafras.  The  Catalpa.  The 
Persimon.  The  Pepperidge.  The  Thorn.  The  Magnolia.  The  Tulip.  The  Dogwood 
TheSalisburia.    The  Paulonia.    The  Virgilia.    The  Cypress.    The  Larch,  etc. 

O  gloriosi  spiriti  de  gli  boschi, 
O  Eco,  o  antri  foschi,  o  chiare  linfe, 
O  faretrate  ninfe,  o  agresti  Pani, 
O  Satiri  e  Silvani,  o  Faiini  e  Driadi, 
Naiadi  ed  Amadriadi,  o  Semidee 

Oreadi  e  Napee. — 

Sannazzaro. 

"  O  spirits  of  the  woods, 
Echoes  and  solitudes,  and  lakes  of  light ; 
O  quivered  virgins  bright,  Pan's  rustical 
Satyrs  and  sylvans  aU,  dryads  and  ye 
That  up  the  mountains  be ;  and  ye  beneath 
In  meadow  or  in  flowery  heath. 

The  Oak.     Quercus. 
Nat.  Ord.  Corylaceae.  Lin.  Syst.  Monoecia,  Polyandria. 

H  E  Arcadians  believed  the  oak  to  have  been 
the  first  created  of  all  trees  ;  and  when  we 
consider  its  great  and  surpassing  utility  and 
beauty,  we  are  fully  disposed  to  concede  it 
the  first  rank  among  the  denizens  of  the  forest.    Springing 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL   TREES.  119 

up  with  a  noble  trunk,  and  stretching  out  its  broad  limbs  over 
the  soil, 

"These  monarchs  of  the  wood, 
Dark,  gnarled,  centennial  oaks," 

seem  proudly  to  bid  defiance  to  time ;  and  while  generations 
of  man  appear  and  disappear,  they  withstand  the  storms  of  a 
thousand  winters,  and  seem  only  to  grow  more  venerable  and 
majestic.  They  are  mentioned  in  the  oldest  histories  ;  we 
are  told  that  Absalom  was  caught  by  his  hair  in  "the  thick 
boughs  of  a  great  oak ;"  and  Herodotus  informs  us  that  the 
first  oracle  was  that  of  Dodona,  set  up  in  the  celebrated  oak 
grove  of  that  name.  There,  at  first,  the  oracles  were  de- 
livered by  the  priestesses,  but,  as  was  afterwards  believed, 
by  the  inspired  oaks  themselves  — 

"  Which  in  Dodona  did  enshrine, 
So  faith  too  fondly  deemed,  a  voice  divine." 

Acorns,  the  fruit  of  the  oak,  appear  to  have  been  held  in 
considerable  estimation  as  an  article  of  food  among  the  an- 
cients. Not  only  were  the  swine  fattened  upon  them,  as  in 
our  own  forests,  but  they  were  ground  into  flour,  with  which 
bread  was  made  by  the  poorer  classes.  Lucretius  mentions, 
that  before  grain  was  known,  they  were  the  common  food  of 
man ;  but  we  suppose  the  fruit  of  the  chestnut  may  also 
have  been  included  under  that  term. 


"Thatoake  whose  acornes  were  our  foode  before 
The  Cerese  seede  of  mortal  man  was  knowne." 


Spenser. 


The  civic  crown,  given  in  the  palmy  days  of  Rome,  to  the 
most  celebrated  men,  was  also  composed  of  oak  leaves. 

It  should  not  be  forgotten  that  the  oak  was  worshipped  by 
the  ancient  Britons.     Baal  or  Yiaoul,  (whence  Yule,)  was  the 


120  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

god  of  fire,  whose  symbol  was  an  oak.  Hence  at  his  festival, 
which  was  at  Christmas,  the  ceremony  of  kindling  the  Yule 
log  was  performed  among  the  ancient  Druids.  This  fire 
was  kept  perpetual  throughout  the  year  and  the  hearths  of  all 
the  people  were  annually  lighted  from  these  sacred  fires  every 
Christmas.  We  believe  the  curious  custom  is  still  extant  in 
some  remote  parts  of  England,  where  the  "  Yule  log"  is  ush- 
ered in  with  much  glee  and  rejoicing  once  a  year. 

As  an  ornamental  object,  we  consider  the  oak  the  most 
majestic  and  picturesque  of  all  deciduous  trees.  The  enor- 
mous size,  and  extreme  old  age  to  which  it  attains  in  a  fa- 
vourable situation,  the  great  space  of  ground  that  it  covers 
with  its  branches,  and  the  strength  and  hardihood  of  the  tree, 
all  contribute  to  stamp  it  with  the  character  of  dignity  and 
grandeur  beyond  any  other  compeer  of  the  forest.  When 
young,  its  fine  foliage,  (singularly  varied  in  many  of  our  na- 
tive species,)  and  its  thrifty  form,  render  it  a  beautiful  tree. 
But  it  is  not  until  the  oak  has  attained  considerable  size,  that 
it  displays  its  true  character,  and  only  when  at  an  age  that 
would  terminate  the  existence  of  most  other  trees,  that  it  ex- 
hibits all  its  magnificence.  Then  its  deeply  furrowed  trunk 
is  covered  with  mosses,  its  huge  branches,  each  a  tree,  spread- 
ing out  horizontally  from  the  trunk  with  great  boldness,  its 
trunk  of  huge  dimension,  and  its  "  high  top,  bald  with  dry 
antiquity  ;"  all  these,  its  true  characteristics,  stamp  the  oak, 
as  Virgil  has  expressed  it  in  his  Georgics — 

"Jove's  own  tree, 
That  holds  the  woods  in  awful  sovereignty; 
For  length  of  ages  lasts  his  happy  reign, 
And  lives  of  mortal  man  contend  in  vain. 
Full  in  the  midst  of  his  own  strength  he  stands. 
Stretching  his  brawny  arms  and  leafy  hands, 
His  shade  protects  the  plains,  his  head  the  hills  commands." 

Dryden's  Trans. 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  121 

"  The  oak,"  says  Gilpin,  "  is  confessedly  the  most  pictu- 
resque tree  in  itself,  and  the  most  accommodating  in  compo- 
sition. It  refuses  no  subject,  either  in  natural  or  in  artificial 
landscape.  It  is  suited  to  the  grandest  and  may  with  pro- 
priety be  introduced  into  the  most  pastoral.  It  adds' new- 
dignity  to  the  ruined  tower,  and  the  Gothic  arch  ;  and  by 
stretching  its  wild,  moss-grown  branches  athwart  their  ivied 
walls,  it  gives  them  a  kind  of  majesty  coeval  with  itself;  at 
the  same  time,  its  propriety  is  still  preserved  if  it  throws  its 
arms  over  the  purling  brook  or  the  mantling  pool,  where  it 
beholds 

"  Its  reverend  image  in  the  expanse  below." 

Milton  introduces  it  happily  even  in  the  lowest  scene — 

"  Hard  by  a  cottage  chimney  smokes, 
From  between  two  aged  oaks." 

The  oak  is  not  only  one  of  the  grandest  and  most  pictu- 
resque objects  as  a  single  tree  upon  a  lawn,  but  it  is  equally 
unrivalled  for  groups  and  masses.  There  is  a  breadth  about 
the  lights  and  shadows  reflected  and  embosomed  in  its  foliage, 
a  singular  freedom  and  boldness  in  its  outline,  and  a  pleasing 
richness  and  intricacy  in  its  huge  ramification  of  branch  and 
limb,  that  render  it  highly  adapted  to  these  purposes.  Some 
trees,  as  the  willow,  or  the  spiry  poplar,  though  pleasing 
singly,  are  monotonous  to  the  last  degree  when  planted  in 
quantities.  Not  so,  however,  with  the  oak,  as  there  is  no 
tree,  when  forming  a  wood  entirely  by  itself,  which  affords 
so  great  a  variety  of  form  and  disposition,  light  and  shade, 
symmetry  and  irregularity,  as  this  king  of  the  forests. 

To  arrive  at  its  highest  perfection,  ample  space  on  every 
side  must  be  allowed  the  oak.     A  free  exposure  to  the  sun 

16 


122 


LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 


and  air,  and  a  deep,  mellow  soil,  are  highly  necessary  to  its 
fullest  amplitude.  For  this  reason,  the  oaks  of  our  forests, 
being  thickly  crowded,  are  seldom  of  extraordinary  size ;  and 
there  are  more  truly  majestic  oaks  in  the  parks  of  England 
than  are  to  be  found  in  the  whole  cultivated  portion  of  the 
United  States.  Here  and  there,  however,  throughout  our 
country,  may  be  seen  a  solitary  oak  of  great  age  and  immense 
size,  which  attest  the  fitness  of  the  soil  and  climate,  and  dis- 
play the  grandeur  of  our  native  species.  The  Wadsworth 
Oak,  near  Geneseo,  N.  Y.  of  extraordinary  dimensions,  the 
product  of  one  of  our  most  fertile  valleys,  has  attracted  the 


[Fig.     32.    The  Charier  Oak,  Hartford.] 


admiration  of  hundreds  of  travellers,  on  the  route  to  Niagara. 
Its  trunk  measures  thirty-six  feet  in  circumference.  The 
celebrated  Charter  Oak  at  Hartford,  which  has  figured 
so  conspicuously  in  the  history  of  New-England,  is  still  ex- 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  123 

isting  in  a  green  old  age,  one  of  the  most  interesting  monu- 
ments of  the  past  to  be  found  in  the  country.* 

Near  the  village  of  Flushing,  Long  Island,  on  the  farm  of 
Judge  Lawrence,  is  growing  one  of  the  noblest  oaks  in  the 
country.  It  is  truly  park-like  in  its  dimensions,  the  circum- 
ference of  the  trunk  being  nearly  thirty  feet,  and  its  majestic 
head,  of  corresponding  dignity.  In  the  deep  alluvial  soil  of 
the  western  valleys,  the  oak  often  assumes  a  grand  aspect, 
and  bears  witness  to  the  wonderful  fertility  of  the  soil  in 
that  region.! 

*  The  house  seen  in  the  engraving  represents  the  old  "Wyllis  House."  This 
family,  its  former  occupants,  furnished  the  Secretary  of  State  for  Connecticut  for 
more  than  a  century.  Near  the  Charter  Oak,  are  some  of  the  apple  trees  planted 
bij  the  Pilgrims,  evidently  Pearmains.  Some  of  these,  lately  felled,  have  been 
examined,  and  are  found  to  be  more  than  200  years  old. 

tThe  following  well  authenticated  description  of  a  famous  English  oak,  is 
worth  a  record  here.  "Close  by  the  gate  of  the  water  walk  of  Magdalen  Col- 
lege, Oxford,  grew  an  oak  which  perhaps  stood  there  a  sapling  when  Alfred  the 
Great  founded  the  University.  This  period  only  includes  a  space  of  900  years, 
which  is  no  great  age  for  an  oak.  About  500  years  after  the  time  of  Alfred,  Dr. 
Stukely  tells  us,  William  of  Waynefleet  expressly  ordered  his  college  (Magda- 
len College,)  to  be  founded  near  the  Great  Oak ;  and  an  oak  could  not,  I  think, 
be  less  than  500  years  of  age  to  merit  that  title,  together  with  the  honour  of  fix- 
ing the  site  of  a  college.  When  the  magnificence  of  Cardinal  Woolsey  erected 
that  handsome  tower  which  is  so  ornamental  to  the  whole  building,  this  tree 
might  probably  be  in  the  meridian  of  its  glory.  It  was  afterwards  much  injured 
in  the  reign  of  Charles  II.,  when  the  present  walks  were  laid  out.  Its  roots  were 
disturbed,  and  from  that  time  it  declined  fast,  and  became  a  mere  trunk.  The 
oldest  members  of  the  University  can  hardly  recollect  it  in  better  plight ;  but  the 
faithful  records  of  history  have  handed  down  its  ancient  dimensions.  Through 
a  space  of  16  yards  on  every  side  it  once  flung  its  branches  ;  and  under  its  mag- 
nificent pavilion  could  have  sheltered  with  ease  3000  men.  In  the  summer  of 
1778,  this  magnificent  ruin  fell  to  the  ground.  From  a  part  of  its  ruins,  a  chair 
has  been  made  for  the  President  of  the  College,  which  will  long  continue  its 
memory." — Gilpin's  Forest  Scenery. 

The  King  Oak,  Windsor  Forest,  once  the  favourite  tree  of  William  the  Con- 
queror, is  now  more  than  1000  years  old,  and  the  interior  of  the  trunk  is  quite 
hollow.    Professor  Burnet,  who  described  it,  lunched  inside  this  tree  with  a  party, 


124  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

As  beauty  is  often  closely  connected  in  our  minds  with  uti- 
lity, we  must  be  allowed  a  word  on  the  great  value  of  this  tree. 
For  its  useful  properties  the  oak  has  scarcely  any  superior. 
"  To  enumerate,"  says  old  Evelyn  in  his  quaint  Sylva,  "  the 
incomparable  uses  of  this  wood  were  needless ;  but  so  precious 
was  the  esteem  of  it  of  old,  there  was  an  express  law  among 
the  Twelve  Tables  concerning  the  very  gathering  of  the 
acorns,  though  they  should  be  found  fallen  on  another  man's 
ground.  The  land  and  the  sea  do  sufficiently  speak  for  the 
improvement  of  this  excellent  material,  for  houses  and  ships, 
cities  and  navies,  are  builded  with  it."  In  almost  all  the 
finest  buildings  of  Europe,  particularly,  the  vast  Gothic  edi- 
fices of  the  middle  ages,  oak  was  the  chief  material  for  the 
interior.  The  rich  old  wainscot,  the  innumerable  carvings 
and  decorations  of  those  days  were  executed  in  this  material. 
In  America  the  vast  pine  forests  produce  a  wood  easily 
wrought,  which  has  in  a  great  measure  superseded  the  use 
of  this  fine  timber,  and  the  exportation  of  immense  quantities 
of  the  former  to  the  eastern  continent,  has  even  in  some  de- 
gree lessened  its  consumption  abroad.  But  for  certain  pur- 
poses, where  great  strength  and  durability  are  required,  the 
oak  will  always  take  the  precedence  claimed  for  it  by  Eve- 

and  says  it  is  capable  of  accomodating  ten  or  twelve  persons  comfortably  at  dinner, 
sitting. 

The  Beggar^s  Oak,  in  Bagot's  Park,  is  twenty  feet  in  girth,  five  feet  from  the 
ground.  The  roots  rise  above  the  surface  in  a  very  extraordinary  manner,  so  as 
to  furnish  a  natural  seat  for  the  beggars  chancing  to  pass  along  the  pathway  near 
it;  and  the  circumference  taken  there  is  68  feet.  The  branches  extend  from 
the  tree  48  feet  in  every  direction. 

Tke  Wallace  Oak,  at  Edenslee,  near  where  Wallace  was  born,  is  a  noble  tree 
21  feet  in  circumference.  It  is  67  feet  high,  audits  branches  extend 45 feet  east, 
36  west,  30  south,  and  25  north.  Wallace  and  300  of  his  men  are  said  to  have 
hid  themselves  from  the  English  among  the  branches  of  this  tree,  which  was 
then  in  full  leaf. 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  125 

lyn.*  The  English  oak  is  probably  rather  superior  in  these 
qualities  to  most  of  our  American  species  ;  but  for  ship-build- 
ing, the  Live  oak  of  the  southern  states  is  not  exceeded  by 
any  timber  in  the  world. 

Different  species  of  Oak.  This  country  is  peculiarly  rich 
in  various  kinds  of  oak  ;  Michaux  enumerating  no  less  than 
forty  species,  indigenous  to  North  America.  Of  these,  the 
most  useful  are  the  Live  oak,  ( Quercus  virens,)  of  such  ines- 
timable value  for  ship-building ;  the  Spanish  oak,  ( Q.  fal- 
cata) ;  the  Red  oak,  ( Q.  rubra),  etc.,  the  bark  of  which  is  ex- 
tensively used  in  tanning ;  the  Q,uercitron  or  Black  oak,  which 
is  highly  valuable,  as  affording  a  fine  yellow  or  brown  dye 
for  wool,  silks,  paper-hangings,  etc. ;  and  the  White  oak, 
which  is  chiefly  used  for  timber.  We  shall  here  describe 
only  a  few  of  those  which  are  most  entitled  to  the  consider- 
ation of  the  planter,  either  for  their  valuable  properties,  or 
as  ornamental  trees,  and  calculated  for  planting  in  woods  or 
single  masses. 

The  WTiite  oak.  {Quercus  alba.)  This  is  one  of  the  most 
common  of  the  American  oaks,  being  very  generally  distri- 
buted over  the  country,  from  Canada  to  the  southern  states. 
In  good  strong  soils,  it  forms  a  tree  70  or  80  feet  high,  with 
wide  extending  branches  ;  but  its  growth  depends  much  upon 
this  circumstance.  It  may  readily  be  known,  even  in  winter, 
by  its  whitish  bark,  and  by  the  dry  and  withered  leaves  which 

*  The  doors  of  the  inner  chapels  of  Westminster,  it  is  stated,  are  of  the  same 
age  as  the  original  building ;  and  as  the  original  ancient  edifice  was  founded  in 
611,  they  must  consequently  be  more  than  1200  years  old.  Professor  Burnet 
in  his  curious  Amenitates  Quercinea  observes,  that  many  of  the  stakes  driven  into, 
the  Thames,  by  the  Ancient  Britons,  to  impede  the  progress  of  Julius  Csesar,  are 
in  a  good  state  of  preservation,  "  having  withstood  the  destroyer  time  nearly 
2000  years." 


126  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

often  hang  upon  this  species  through  the  whole  of  that  season. 
The  leaves  are  about  four  inches  wide,  and  six  in  length, 
divided  uniformly  into  rounded  lobes  without  points ;  these 
lobes  are  deeper  in  damp  soils.  When  the  leaves  first  unfold 
in  the  spring,  they  are  downy  beneath,  but  when  fully  grown, 
they  are  quite  smooth,  and  pale  green  on  the  upper  surface, 
and  whitish  or  glaucous  below.  The  acorn  is  oval,  and  the 
cup  somewhat  flattened  at  the  base.  This  is  the  most  valua- 
ble of  all  our  native  oaks  ;  immense  quantities  of  the  timber 
being  used  for  various  purposes  in  building  ;  and  staves  of 
the  white  oak,  for  barrels,  are  in  universal  use  throughout  the 
Union.  The  great  occasional  size  and  fine  form  of  this  tree, 
in  some  natural  situations,  prove  how  noble  an  object  it  would 
always  become  when  allowed  to  expand  in  full  vigor  and 
majesty,  in  the  open  air  and  light  of  the  park.  It  more 
nearly  approaches  the  English  oak  in  appearance  than  any 
other  American  species. 

Rock  Chestnut  oak.  ( Q.  Prinus  Monticola.)  This  is  one  of 
the  most  ornamental  of  our  oaks,  and  is  found  in  considerable 
abundance  in  the  middle  states.  It  has  the  peculiar  advan- 
tage of  growing  well  on  the  most  barren  and  rocky  soils,  and 
can  therefore  be  advantageously  employed  by  the  landscape 
gardener,  when  a  steep,  dry,  rocky  bank  is  to  be  covered 
with  trees.  In  deep,  mellow  soil,  its  growth  is  wonderfully 
vigorous,  and  it  rapidly  attains  a  height  of  50  or  60  feet, 
with  a  corresponding  diameter.  The  head  is  rather  more 
symmetrical  in  form  and  outline,  than  most  trees  of  this  ge- 
nus, and  the  stem  in  free,  open  places  shoots  up  into  a  lofty 
trunk.  The  leaves  are  five  or  six  inches  long,  three  or  four 
broad,  oval,  and  uniformly  denticulated,  with  the  teeth  more 
regular  but  less  acute  than  the  Chestnut  white  oak.  When 
beginning  to  open  in  the  spring,  they  are  covered  with  a  thick 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES,  127 

down  ;  but  when  fully  expanded,  they  are  perfectly  smooth, 
and  of  a  delicate  texture.     Michaux. 

Chestnut  White  oak.  ( Qnercus  Prinus  paliistris.)  This 
species  much  resembles  the  last,  but  differs  in  having  longer 
leaves,  which  are  obovate,  and  deeply  toothed.  It  is  sparingly 
found  in  the  northern  states,  and  attains  its  greatest  altitude 
in  the  south,  where  it  is  often  seen  90  feet  in  height.  Though 
generally  found  in  the  neighbourhood  of  swamps  and  low 
grounds,  it  grows  with  wonderful  rapidity  in  a  good,  mode- 
rately dry  soil,  and  from  the  beauty  of  its  fine  spreading  head, 
and  the  quickness  of  its  growth,  is  highly  deserving  of  intro- 
duction into  our  plantations. 

The  Yellow  oak,  ( Q.  Prinus  acuminata.)  The  Yellow 
oak  may  be  found  scattered  through  our  woods  over  nearly 
the  whole  of  the  Union.  Its  leaves  are  lanceolate,  and  re- 
gularly toothed,  light  green  above,  and  whitish  beneath; 
the  acorns  small.  It  forms  a  stately  tree,  70  feet  high  ;  and 
the  branches  are  more  upright  in  their  growth,  and  more 
clustering,  as  it  were,  round  the  central  trunk,  than  other 
species.  The  beauty  of  its  long  pointed  leaves,  and  their  pe- 
culiar mode  of  growth,  recommend  it  to  mingle  with  other 
trees,  to  which  it  will  add  variety. 

The  Pin  oak.  ( Q.  paliistris.)  The  Pin  oak  forms  a  tree  in 
moist  situations,  varying  in  height  from  60  to  80  feet.  The 
great  number  of  small  branches  intermingled  with  the  large 
ones,  have  given  rise  to  the  name  of  this  variety.  It  is  a 
hardy,  free  growing  species,  particularly  upon  moist  soils. 
Loudon  considers  it,  from  its  "far-extending,  drooping 
branches,  and  light  and  elegant  foliage,"  among  the  most 
graceful  of  oaks.  It  is  well  adapted  to  small  groups,  and  is 
one  of  the  most  thrifty  growing  and  easily  obtained  of  all  our 
northern  oaks. 


128  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

The  Willow  oak.  ( Q.  Phellos.)  This  remarkable  species  of 
oak  may  be  recognised  at  once  by  its  narrow,  entire  leaves, 
shaped  almost  like  those  of  the  willow,  and  about  the  same 
size,  though  thicker  in  texture.  It  is  not  found  wild  north  of 
the  barrens  of  New- Jersey,  where  it  grows  plentifully,  but 
thrives  well  in  cultivation  much  farther  north.  The  stem  of 
this  tree  is  remarkably  smooth  in  every  stage  of  its  growth. 
It  is  so  different  in  appearance  and  chaTacter  from  the  other 
species  of  this  genus,  that  in  plantations  it  would  never  be 
recognised  by  a  person  not  conversant  with  oaks,  as  one  of  the 
family.  It  deserves  to  be  introduced  mto  landscapes  for  its 
singularity  as  an  oak,  and  its  lightness  and  elegance  of  foliage 
individually. 

The  Mossy-cup  oak.  ( Q.  olivcBformis.)  This  is  so  called 
because  the  scales  of  the  cups  terminate  in  a  long,  moss- 
like fringe,  nearly  covering  the  acorn.  It  is  quite  a  rare 
species,  being  only  found  on  the  upper  banks  of  the  Hudson, 
and  on  the  Genesee  river.  The  foliage  is  fine,  large,  and 
deeply  cut,  and  the  lower  branches  of  the  tree  droop  in  a 
beautiful  manner  when  it  has  attained  some  considerable 
size.  Quercus  macrocarpa,  the  Over-cup  White  oak,  is 
another  beautiful  kind  found  in  the  western  states,  which  a 
good  deal  resembles  the  Mossy-cup  oak  in  the  acorn.  The 
foliage,  however,  is  uncommonly  fine,  being  the  largest  in 
size  of  any  American  species  ;  fifteen  inches  long,  and  eight 
broad.  It  is  a  noble  tree,  with  fine  deep  green  foliage  ;  and 
the  growth  of  a  specimen  planted  in  our  grounds  has  been 
remarkably  vigorous. 

Scarlet  oak.  {Quercus  coccinea.)  A  native  of  the  mid- 
dle states  ;  a  noble  tree,  often  eighty  feet  high.  The  leaves, 
borne  on  long  petioles,  are  a  bright  lively  green  on  both 
surfaces,  with  four  deep  cuts  on  each  side,  widest  at  the 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  129 

bottom.  The  great  and  peculiar  beauty  of  this  tree,  we  con- 
ceive to  be  its  property  of  assuming  a  deep,  scarlet  tint  in 
autumn.  At  that  period  it  may,  at  a  great  distance,  be  dis- 
tinguished from  all  other  oaks,  and  indeed  from  every  other 
forest  tree.  It  is  highly  worthy  of  a  place  in  every  planta- 
tion. 

The  Live  oak.  [Quercus  virens.)  This  fine  species 
will  not  thrive  north  of  Virginia.  Its  imperishable  timber  is 
the  most  valuable  in  our  forests  ;  and,  at  the  south,  it  is  a 
fine  park  tree,  when  cultivated,  growing  about  40  feet  high, 
with,  however,  a  rather  wide  and  low  head.  The  thick 
oval  leaves  are  evergreen,  and  it  is  much  to  be  regretted 
that  this  noble  tree  will  not  bear  our  northern  winters. 

The  English  Royal  oak.  ( Q.  rohur.)  This  is  the  great 
representative  of  the  family  in  Europe,  and  is  one  of  the 
most  magnificent  of  the  genus,  growing  often  in  the  fine  old 
woods  and  parks  of  England,  to  eighty  and  one  hundred 
feet  in  height.  The  branches  spread  over  a  great  surface. 
"  The  leaves  are  petiolated,  smooth,  and  of  a  uniform  color 
on  both  sides,  enlarged  towards  the  summit,  and  very  coarsely 
toothed."  As  a  single  tree  for  park  scenery,  this  equals 
any  American  species  in  majesty  of  form,  though  it  is 
deficient  in  individual  beauty  of  foliage  to  some  of  our  oaks. 
It  is  to  be  found  for  sale  in  our  nurseries,  and  we  hope  will 
become  well  known  among  us.  The  timber  is  closer 
grained,  and  more  durable,  though  less  elastic  than  the  best 
American  oak  ;  and  Michaux,  in  his  Sylva,  recommends  its 
introduction  into  this  country  largely,  on  these  accounts. 

The  Turkey  oak.  ( Q.  Cerris.)  There  are  two  beautiful 
hybrid  varieties  of  this  species,  which  have  been  raised  in 
England  by  Messrs.  Lucombe  and  Fulham,  which  we  hope 
will  yet  be  found  in  our  ornamental  plantations.     They  are 

17 


130  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

partially  evergreen  in  winter,  remarkably  luxuriant  in  their 
growth,  attaining  a  height  of  seventy  or  eighty  feet,  and  ele- 
gant in  foliage  and  outline.  The  Lucombe  and  Fulham 
oaks  grow  from  one  to  five  feet  in  a  season ;  the  trees  as- 
sume a  beautiful  pyramidal  shape,  and  as  they  retain  their 
fine  glossy  leaves  till  May,  they  would  form  a  fine  contrast 
to  other  deciduous  trees. 

We  might  here  enumerate  a  great  number  of  other  fine 
foreign  oaks ;  among  which,  the  most  interesting  are  the 
Holly  or  Holm  oak,  ( Quercus  Ilex  /)  and  the  Cork  oak, 
(Q.  tSube?',)  of  the  south  of  France,  which  produces  the 
cork  of  commerce  ;  (both  rather  too  tender  for  the  north  ;) 
the  Kermes  oak,  (Q.  coccifera,)  from  which  a  scarlet  dye  is 
obtained  ;  and  the  Italian  Esculent  oak,  ( Q.  Esculus,)  with 
sweet  nutritious  acorns.  Those,  however,  who  wish  to  in- 
vestigate them,  will  pursue  this  subject  farther  in  European 
works  ;  while  that  splendid  treatise  on  our  forest  trees,  the 
North  American  Sylva  of  Michaux,  will  be  found  to  give 
full  and  accurate  descriptions  of  all  our  numerous  indige- 
nous varieties,  of  which  many  are  peculiar  to  the  southern 
states. 

The  oak  flourishes  best  on  a  strong  loamy  soil,  rather 
moist  than  dry.  Here  at  least  the  growth  is  most  rapid, 
although,  for  timber,  the  wood  is  generally  not  so  sound  on  a 
moist  soil  as  a  dry  one,  and  the  tree  goes  to  decay  more 
rapidly.  Among  the  American  kinds,  however,  some  may 
be  found  adapted  to  every  soil  and  situation,  though  those 
species  which  grow  on  upland  soils,  in  stony,  clayey,  or 
loamy  bottoms,  attain  the  greatest  size  and  longevity.  When 
immense  trees  are  desired,  the  oak  should  either  be  trans- 
planted very  young,  or,  which  is  preferable,  raised  from  the 
acorn  sown  where  it  is  finally  to  remain.    This  is  necessary 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  131 

on  account  of  the  very  large  tap  roots  of  this  genus  of  trees, 
which  are  either  entirely  destroyed  or  greatly  injured  by 
removal.  Transplanting  this  genus  of  trees  should  be  per- 
formed, either  early  in  autumn,  as  soon  as  the  leaves  fall  or 
become  brown,  or  in  spring  before  the  abundant  rains 
commence. 


The  Elm.     Ulmus. 

Nat.  Ord.  Ulmace^.  Lin.  SysL  Pentandria,  Digynia. 

We  have  ascribed  to  the  oak  the  character  of  pre-eminent 
dignity  and  majesty  among  the  trees  of  the  forest.  Let  us 
now  claim  for  the  elm  the  epithets  graceful  and  elegant. 
This  tree  is  one  of  the  noblest  in  the  size  of  its  trunk,  while 
the  branches  are  comparatively  tapering  and  slender,  forming 
themselves,  in  most  of  the  species,  into  long  and  graceful 
cm'ves.  The  flowers  are  of  a  chocolate  or  purple  colour,  and 
appear  in  the  month  of  April,  before  the  leaves.  The  latter 
are  light  and  airy,  of  a  pleasing  light  green  in  the  spring, 
growing  darker,  however,  as  the  season  advances.  The  elm 
is  one  of  the  most  common  trees  in  both  continents,  and  has 
been  well  known  for  its  beauty  and  usefulness  since  a  remote 
period.  In  the  south  of  Europe,  particularly  in  Lombardy, 
elm  trees  are  planted  in  vineyards,  and  the  vines  are  trained 
in  festoons  from  tree  to  tree,  in  the  most  picturesque  manner. 
Tasso  alludes  to  this  in  the  following  stanzas  : 

"  Come  olmo,  a  cui  la  pampinosa  pianta 
Cupida  s'avviticchi  e  si  marite ; 
Se  ferro  il  tronca,  o  fulmine  lo  schianta 
Trae  seco  a  terra  la  compagna  vite." 

Gerusalemme  Liberata,  2.  326. 

It  is  one  of  the  most  common  trees  for  public  walks  and 


132  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

avenues,  along  the  highways  in  France  and  Germany,  grow- 
ing with  great  rapidity,  and  soon  forming  a  widely  extended 
shade.  In  Europe,  the  elm  is  much  used  for  keels  in  ship- 
building, and  is  remarkably  durable  in  water  ;  more  exten- 
sive use  is  made  of  it  there  than  of  the  American  kinds  in 
this  country,  though  the  wood  of  the  Red  American  elm  is 
more  valuable  than  any  other  in  the  United  States  for  the 
blocks  used  in  ship  rigging. 

For  its  graceful  beauty,  the  elm  is  entitled  to  high  regard. 
Standing  alone  as  a  single  tree,  or  in  a  group  of  at  most  three 
or  four  in  number,  it  developes  itself  in  all  its  perfection. 
The  White  American  elm  we  consider  the  most  beautiful  of 
the  family,  and  to  this  we  more  particularly  allude.  In 
such  situations  as  we  have  just  mentioned,  this  tree  de- 
velopes its  fine  ample  form  in  the  most  picturesque  manner. 
Its  branches  first  spring  up,  embracing  the  centre,  then  bend 
off  in  finely  diverging  lines,  until,  in  old  trees,  they  often 
sweep  the  ground  with  their  loose  pendant  foliage.  With 
all  this  lightness  and  peculiar  gracefulness  of  form,  it  is  by 
no  means  a  meagre  looking  tree  in  the  body  of  its  foliage,  as 
its  thick  tufted  masses  of  leaves  reflect  the  sun,  and  em- 
bosom the  shadows  as  finely  as  almost  any  other  tree,  the 
oak  excepted.  We  consider  it  peculiarly  adapted  for  plant- 
ing, in  scenes  where  the  expression  of  elegant  or  classical 
beauty  is  desired.  In  autmmi  the  foliage  assumes  a  lively 
yellow  tint,  contrasting  well  with  the  richer  and  more  glow- 
ing colours  of  our  native  woods.  Even  in  winter  it  is  a 
pleasing  object,  from  the  minute  division  of  its  spray,  and 
the  graceful  droop  of  its  branches.  It  is  one  of  the  most 
generally  esteemed  of  our  native  trees  for  ornamental  pur- 
poses, and  is  as  great  a  favourite  here  as  in  Europe,  for 
planting  in  public  squares,  and  along  the  highways.     Beau- 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  133 

tiful  specimens  may  be  seen  in  Cambridge,  Mass.,  and  very 
fine  avenues  of  this  tree  are  growing  with  great  kixnriance 
in  and  about  New  Haven.*  The  charming  villages  of  New- 
England,  among  which  Northampton  and  Springfield  are  pre- 
eminent, borrow  from  the  superb  and  wonderfully  luxuriant 
elms,  which  decorate  their  fine  streets  and  avenues,  the 
greater  portion  of  their  peculiar  loveliness.  The  elm  should 
not  be  chosen  where  large  groups  and  masses  are  required, 
as  the  similarity  of  its  form  in  different  individuals,  might 
then  create  a  monotony  ;  but,  as  we  have  before  observed,  it 
is  peculiarly  well  calculated  for  small  groups,  or  as  a  single 
object.  The  roughness  of  the  bark  contrasting  with  the 
lightness  of  its  foliage,  and  the  easy  sweep  of  its  branches, 
adds  much  also  to  its  effect  as  a  whole. 

We  shall  briefly  describe  the  principal  species  of  the  elm. 

The  American  White  elm.  (  Ulmtis  Americana.)  This  is 
the  best  known,  and  most  generally  distributed,  of  our  native 
species,  growing  in  greater  or  less  profusion,  over  the  whole 
of  the  country  included  between  Lower  Canada  and  the 
Gulf  of  Mexico.  It  often  reaches  80  feet  in  height  in  fine 
soils,  with  a  diameter  of  4  or  5  feet.  The  leaves  are  alter- 
nate, 3  or  4  inches  long,  unequal  in  size  at  the  base,  borne  on 
petioles  half  an  inch  to  an  inch  in  length,  oval,  accuminate, 
and  doubly  denticulated.  The  seeds  are  contained  in  a  flat, 
oval,  winged  seed-vessel,  fringed  with  small  hairs  on  the 
margin.  The  flowers,  of  a  dull  purple  colour,  are  borne  in 
small  bunches  on  short  footstalks,  at  the  end  of  the  branches, 
and  appear  very  early  in  the  spring.  This  tree  prefers  a 
deep  rich  soil,  and  grows  with  greater  luxuriance  if  it  be 
rather  moist,  often  reaching,   in  such  situations,  an  altitude 

*The  great  elm  of  Boston  Common  is  22  feet  in  circumference. 


134  LANDSCAPE    CxARDENING. 

of  nearly  100  feet.  It  is  found  in  the  greatest  perfection  in 
the  alluvial  soils  of  the  fertile  valleys  of  the  Connecticut, 
the  Mississippi,  and  Ohio  Rivers. 

The  Red  or  Slippery  elm.  ( U.  fulva.)  A  tree  of  lower 
size  than  the  White  elm,  attaining  generally  only  40  or  50 
feet.  According  to  Michaux,  it  may  be  distinguished  from 
the  latter  even  in  winter,  by  its  buds,  which  are  larger  and 
rounder,  and  which  are  covered  a  fortnight  before  their  de- 
velopment, with  a  russet  down.  The  leaves  are  larger, 
rougher,  and  thicker  than  those  of  the  White  elm ;  the  seed- 
vessels  larger,  destitute  of  fringe ;  the  stamens  short,  and  of 
a  pale  rose  colour.  This  tree  bears  a  strong  likeness  to  the 
Dutch  elm,  and  the  bark  abounds  in  mucilage,  whence  the 
name  of  Slippery  elm.  The  branches  are  less  drooping  than 
those  of  the  White  elm. 

The  Wahoo  elm,  ( U.  alata,)  is  not  found  north  of  Vir- 
ginia. It  may  at  once  be  known  in  every  stage  of  its  growth, 
by  the  fungous  cork-like  substance  which  lines  the  branches 
on  both  sides.  It  is  a  very  singular  and  curious  tree,  of 
moderate  stature,  and  grows  rapidly  and  well  when  cultivated 
in  the  northern  states. 

The  common  European  elm.  ( U.  campestris.)  This  is 
the  most  commonly  cultivated  forest  tree  in  Europe,  next  to 
the  oak.  It  is  a  more  upright  growing  tree  than  the  White 
elm,  though  resembling  it  in  the  easy  disposition  and  delicacy 
of  its  branches.  The  flowers,  of  a  purple  colour,  are  pro- 
duced in  round  bunches,  close  to  the  stem.  The  leaves  are 
rough,  doubly  serrated,  and  much  more  finely  cut  than  those 
of  our  elms.  It  is  a  fine  tree,  60  or  70  feet  high,  growing 
with  rapidity,  and  is  easily  cultivated.  The  timber  is  more 
valuable  than  the  American  sort,  though  the  tree  is  inferior 
to  the  White  elm  in  beauty.     There  are  some  dozen  or 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  135 

more  fine  varieties  of  this  species,  cultivated  in  the  English 
nurseries ;  among  which  the  most  remarkable  are  the  Twisted 
elm,  ( U.  c.  tortuosa,)  the  trunk  of  which  is  singularly  mark- 
ed with  hollows  and  protuberances,  and  the  grain  of  the  wood 
curiously  twisted  together :  the  Kidbrook  elm,  ( U.  c.  vireiis,) 
which  is  a  sub-evergreen :  the  Gold  and  Silver  striped  elms, 
with  variegated  leaves,  and  the  Narrow-leaved  elm,  (  U.  c.  vi- 
tninalis,)  which  resembles  the  birch  :  the  Cork-barked  elm, 
{U  c.  suherosa^)  the  young  branches  of  which  are  covered 
with  cork,  etc. 

The  Scotch  or  Wych  elm.  ( U.  montana.)  This  is  a  tree 
of  lower  stature  than  the  common  European  elm,  its  average 
height  being  about  40  feet.  The  leaves  are  broad,  rough, 
pointed,  and  the  branches  extend  more  horizontally,  droop- 
ing at  the  extremities.  The  bark  on  the  branches  is  com- 
paratively smooth.  It  is  a  grand  tree,  "  the  head  is  so  finely 
massed,  and  yet  so  well  broken,  as  to  render  it  one  of  the 
noblest  of  park  trees ;  and  when  it  grows  wild  amid  the 
rocky  scenery  of  its  native  Scotland,  there  is  no  tree  which 
assumes  so  great  or  so  pleasing  a  variety  of  character."*  In 
general  appearance,  the  Scotch  elm  considerably  resembles 
our  White  elm,  and  it  is  a  very  rapid  grower.  Its  most  orna- 
mental varieties  are  the  Spiry-topped  elm,  (  U.  m.  fastigia- 
ta,)  with  singularly  twisted  leaves,  and  a  very  upright 
growth  :  the  weeping  Scotch  elm,  ( U.  m.  pendula,)  a  very 
remarkable  variety,  the  branches  of  which  droop  in  a  fan- 
like manner :  and  the  Smooth-leaved  Scotch  elm,  ( U.  m. 
glabra.) 

There  is  scarcely  any  soil  to  which  some  of  the  different 
elms  are  not  adapted.     The  European  species  prefer  a  deep, 

*  Sir  Thos.  Lander,  in  Gilpin,  1.  91. 


136  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

dry  soil,  the  Scotch  or  Wych  elm,  will  thrive  well  even  in 
very  rocky  places ;  and  the  White  elm  grows  readily  in 
all  soils,  but  most  luxuriantly  in  moist  places.  All  the 
species  attain  their  maximum  size  when  planted  in  a  deep 
loam,  rather  moist  than  dry.  They  bear  transplanting  re- 
markably well,  suffering  but  little  even  from  the  mistaken 
practice  of  those  persons  who  reduce  them,  in  transplanting, 
to  the  condition  of  bare  poles,  as  they  shoot  out  a  new  crop 
of  branches,  and  soon  become  beautiful  yomig  trees,  in  spite 
of  the  mal-treatment.  As  the  elm  scarcely  produces  a  tap 
root,  even  large  trees  may  be  removed,  when  the  operation 
is  skilfully  performed.  In  such  cases,  the  recently-moved 
tree  should  be  carefully  and  plentifully  supplied  with  water, 
until  it  is  well  established  in  its  new  situation.  The  elm  is 
also  easily  propagated  by  seed,  layers,  or,  in  some  species,  by 
suckers  from  the  root. 


The  Plane  or  Buttonwood  Tree.     Platanus. 

Nat.  Ord.  Platanacese.        Lin.  Syst.    MoncEcia,  Polyandria. 

The  plane,  Platanus^  derives  its  name  from  it'^arvg,  broad, 
on  account  of  the  broad,  umbrageous  nature  of  its  branches. 
It  is  a  well  known  tree  of  the  very  largest  size,  common  to 
both  hemispheres,  and  greatly  prized  for  the  fine  shade 
afforded  by  its  spreading  head,  in  the  warmer  parts  of  Europe 
and  Asia.  No  tree  was  in  greater  esteem  with  the  ancients 
for  this  purpose ;  and  we  are  told  that  the  Academic  groves, 
the  neighbourhood  of  the  public  schools,  and  all  those  favour- 
ite avenues  where  the  Grecian  philosophers  were  accustomed 
to  resort,  were  planted  with  these  trees ;  and  beneath  their 
shade  Aristotle,  Plato,  and  Socrates,  delivered  the  choicest 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  137 

wisdom  and  eloquence  of  those  classic  days.  The  Eastern 
plane,  {Plata7ius  orientalis,)  was  first  brought  to  the  Roman 
provinces  from  Persia,  and  so  highly  was  it  esteemed,  that? 
according  to  Pliny,  the  Morini  paid  a  tribute  to  Rome  for  the 
privilege  of  enjoying  its  shade.  To  that  author  we  are  also 
indebted  for  the  history  of  the  great  plane  tree  that  grew 
in  the  province  of  Lycia,  which  was  of  so  huge  a  size,  that 
the  governor  of  the  province,  Licinius  Mutianus,  together 
with  eighteen  of  his  retinue,  feasted  in  the  hollow  of  its 
trunk. 

In  the  United  States,  the  plane  is  not  generally  found 
growing  in  great  quantities  in  any  one  place,  but  is  more  or 
less  scattered  over  the  whole  country.  In  deep,  moist,  allu- 
vial soils,  it  attains  a  size,  scarcely,  if  at  all,  inferior  to  that  of 
the  huge  trees  of  the  eastern  continent ;  forming  at  least,  in 
the  body  of  its  trunk,  a  larger  circumference  than  any  other 
of  our  native  trees.  The  younger  Michaux  {Sylva,)  1,  325,) 
measured  a  tree  near  Marietta,  Ohio,  which  at  four  feet 
from  the  ground  was  found  to  be  forty-seven  feet  in  cir- 
cumference ;  and  a  specimen  has  lately  been  cut  on  the 
banks  of  the  Grenesee  river,  of  such  enormous  size,  that  a 
section  of  the  trunk  was  hollowed  out,  and  furnished  as  a 
small  room,  capable  of  containing  fourteen  persons.*  On  the 
margins  of  the  great  western  rivers,  it  sometimes  rises  up 
seventy  feet,  and  then  expands  into  a  fine,  lofty  head,  surpas- 
sing in  grandeur  all  its  neighbours  of  the  forest.  The  large 
branches  of  the  plane  shoot  out  in  a  horizontal  direction  ;  the 
tnmk  generally  ascending  in  a  regular,  stately,  and  uninter- 
rupted manner.     The  blossoms  are  small  greenish  balls  ap- 

*  A  buttonwood  on  the  Montezuma  estate,  JefTerson,  Cayuga  Co.,  N.  Y.,  is  forty- 
seven  and  a  half  feet  in  circumference ;  and  the  diameter  of  the  hollow  two 
feet  from  the  ground,  is  fifteen  feet.    {N.  Y.  Med.  Repository,  IV.  427.) 

18 


138  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

pearing  in  spring,  and  the  fertile  ones  grow  to  an  inch  in 
diameter,  assuming  a  deep  brownish  colour,  and  hang  upon 
the  tree  during  the  whole  winter.  A  striking  and  peculiar 
characteristic  of  the  plane,  is  its  property  of  throwing  off  or 
shedding  continually  the  other  coating  of  bark  here  and  there 
in  patches.  Professor  Lindley  {Introduction  to  the  Natural 
System,  2d  ed.  187,)  says  this  is  owing  to  its  deficiency  in  the 
expansive  power  of  the  fibre  common  to  the  bark  of  other 
trees,  or,  in  other  words,  to  the  rigidity  of  its  tissue :  being 
therefore  incapable  of  stretching  with  the  growth  of  the  tree, 
it  bursts  open  on  difierent  parts  of  the  trunk,  and  is  cast  off. 
This  gives  the  trimk  quite  a  lively  and  picturesque  look, 
extending  more  or  less  even  to  the  extremity  of  the  branches, 
and  makes  this  tree  quite  conspicuous  in  winter.  Bryant, 
in  his  address  to  Green  River  says  : 

"  Clear  are  the  depths  where  its  eddies  play, 
And  dimples  deepen  and  whirl  away, 
And  the  plane  tree's  speckled  arms  o'ershoot 
The  swifter  current  that  mines  its  root." 

The  great  merit  of  the  plane  or  buttonwood,  is  its  extreme 
vigour  and  luxuriance  of  growth.  In  a  good  soil,  it  will  rea- 
dily reach  a  height  of  thirty-five  or  forty  feet  in  ten  years.  It 
is  easily  transplanted ;  and  in  new  residences,  bare  of  trees, 
where  an  effect  is  desired  speedily,  we  know  of  nothing  better 
adapted  quickly  to  produce  abundance  of  foliage,  shelter,  and 
shade.  \\Tien  the  requisite  foliage  is  obtained,  and  other 
trees  of  slower  growth  have  reached  a  proper  size,  the  former 
may  be  thinned  out.  As  the  plane  tree  grows  to  the  largest 
size,  it  is  only  proper  for  situations  where  there  is  consider- 
able ground,  and  where  it  can,  without  inconvenience  to  its 
fellows,  have  ample  room  for  its  full  development.  Then 
soaring  up,   and    extending    its  wide-spread  branches  on 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  139 

every  side,  it  is  certainly  a  very  majestic  tree.  The  colour 
of  the  foliage  is  of  a  paler  green  than  is  usual  in  forest  trees ; 
and  although  of  large  size,  is  easily  wafted  to  and  fro  by 
the  wind,  thereby  producing  an  agreeable  diversity  of  light, 
pleasing  to  the  eye  in  summer.  In  winter,  the  branches  are 
beautifully  hmig,  even  to  their  farthest  ends,  with  the  nu- 
merous round  russet-balls,  or  seed-vessels,  each  suspended 
by  a  slender  cord,  and  swinging  about  in  the  air.  The  out- 
line of  the  head  is  pleasingly  irregular,  and  its  foliage  against 
a  sky  outline,  is  bold  and  picturesque.  It  is  not  a  tree  to  be 
planted  in  thick  groves  by  itself,  but  to  stand  alone  and  de- 
tached, or  in  a  group  with^two  or  three.  In  avenues  it  is  often 
happily  employed,  and  produces  a  grand  effect.  It  also  grows 
with  great  vigour  in  close  cities,  as  some  superb^specimens 
in  the  square  of  the  State-house,  Pennsylvania  Hospital,  and 
other  places  in  Philadelphia,  fully  attest. 

There  is  but  a  trifling  difference  in  general  effect  between 
our  plane  or  buttonwood,  and  the  Oriental  plane.  For  the 
purposes  of  shade  and  shelter,  the  American  is  the  finest,  as 
its  foliage  is  the  longest  and  broadest.  The  Oriental  plane, 
{Platanus  orientalis,)  has  the  leaves  lobed  like  our  native 
kind,  (P.  occidentalis,)  but  the  segments  are  much  more 
deeply  cut ;  the  footstalks  of  its  leaves  are  green,  while  those 
of  the  American  are  of  a  reddish  hue,  and  the  fruit  or  ball  is 
much  smaller  and  rougher  on  the  outer  surface  when  fully 
grown.  Both  species  are  common  in  the  nurseries,  and  are 
worthy  the  attention  of  the  planter ;  the  Oriental,  as  well  for 
the  interesting  associations  connected  with  it,  being  the 
favourite  shade-tree  of  the  east,  etc.,  as  for  its  intrinsic 
merits  as  a  lofty  and  majestic  tree. 

Two  of  the  varieties  of  P.  occidentalis  are  sometimes  culti- 


140  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

vated,  the  chief  of  which  is  the  Maple-leaved  plane,  (P.  O. 
acerifolia.) 


The  Ash  Tree.     Fraxinus. 

Nat.  Ord.    Oleaceae.  Lin.  Syst.    Polygamia,  Dicecia. 

The  name  of  the  ash,  one  of  the  finest  and  most  useful 
of  forest  trees,  is  probably  derived  from  the  Celtic  asc,  a 
pike — as  its  wood  was  formerly  in  common  use  for  spears 
and  other  weapons.  Homer  informs  us  that  Achilles  was 
slain  with  an  ashen  spear.  In  modern  times,  the  wood  is  in 
universal  use  for  the  various  implements  of  husbandry,  for 
the  different  purposes  of  the  wheelwright  and  carriage-maker, 
and  in  short,  for  all  purposes  where  great  strength  and  elas- 
ticity are  required  ;  for  in  these  qualities  the  ash  is  second  to 
no  tree  in  the  forest,  the  hickory  alone  excepted.  The  ash 
is  a  large  and  lofty  tree,  growing,  when  surrounded  by  other 
trees,  sixty ^or  seventy  feet  high,  and  three  or  more  in  diame- 
ter. When  exposed  on  all  sides,  it  forms  a  fine,  romid,  com- 
pact head  of  loose,  pinnated,  light  green  foliage,  and  is  one 
of  the  most  vigorous  growers  among  the  hard-wooded  trees. 
The  American  species  of  ash  are  fomid  in  the  greatest  luxu- 
riance and  beauty  on  the  banks  and  margins  of  rivers,  where 
the  soil  is  partially  dry,  yet  where  the  roots  can  easily  pene- 
trate down  to  the  moisture.  The  European  ash  is  remarka- 
ble for  its  hardy  nature,  being  often  found  in  great  vigour 
on  steep  rocky  hills,  and  amid  crevices  where  most  other 
trees  flourish  badly.  Southey  alludes  to  this  in  the  following 
lines : 

"  Gray  as  the  stone  to  which  it  clung,  half  root, 
Half  trunk,  the  young  ash  rises  from  the  rock." 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  141 

As  the  ash  grows  strongly,  and  the  roots,  which  extend  to 
a  great  distance,  ramify  near  the  surface,  it  exhausts  the  soil 
underneath  and  aroimd  it  to  an  astonishing  degree.  For  this 
reason,  the  grass  is  generally  seen  in  a  very  meagre  and  starved 
condition  in  a  lawn  where  the  ash  tree  abounds.  Here  and 
there  a  single  tree  of  the  ash  will  have  an  excellent  effect, 
seen  from  the  windows  of  the  house ;  but  we  would  chiefly 
employ  it  for  the  grand  masses,  and  to  intermingle  with  other 
large  groups  of  trees  in  an  extensive  plantation.  When  the 
ash  is  yomig,  it  forms  a  well-rounded  head  ;  but  when  older, 
the  lower  branches  bend  towards  the  ground,  and  then  slightly 
turn  up  in  a  very  graceful  manner.  We  take  pleasure  in 
quoting  what  that  great  lover,  and  accurate  delineator  of  for- 
est beauties,  Mr.  Gilpin,  says  of  the  ash.  "  The  ash  gene- 
rally carries  its  principal  stem  higher  than  the  oak,  and  rises 
in  an  easy  flowing  line.  But  its  chief  beauty  consists  in  the 
lightness  of  its  whole  appearance.  Its  branches  at  first  keep 
close  to  the  trunk,  and  form  acute  angles  with  it ;  but  as 
they  begin  to  lengthen,  they  generally  take  an  easy  sweep, 
and  the  looseness  of  the  leaves  corresponding  with  the  light- 
ness of  the  spray,  the  whole  forms  an  elegant,  depending 
foliage.  Nothing  can  have  a  better  effect  than  an  old 
ash  hanging  from  the  corner  of  a  wood,  and  bringing  off 
the  heaviness  of  the  other  foliage  with  its  loose  pendant 
branches." — {Forest  Scenery^  p.  82.) 

The  highest  and  most  characteristic  beauty  of  the  Ameri- 
can White  ash  (and  we  consider  it  the  finest  of  all  the  species,) 
is  the  colouring  which  its  leaves  put  on  in  autumn.  Gilpin 
complains  that  the  leaf  of  the  European  ash  "  decays  in  a 
dark,  muddy,  unpleasing  tint."  Not  so  the  White  ash.  In  an 
American  wood,  such  as  often  lines  and  overhangs  the  banks 
of  the  Hudson,  the  Connecticut,  and  many  of  our  noble  north- 


142  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

em  streams,  the  ash  assumes  peculiar  beauty  in  autumn, 
when  it  can  often  be  distinguished  from  the  surrounding 
trees  for  four  or  five  miles,  by  the  peculiar  and  beautiful 
deep  brownish-purple  of  its  fine  mass  of  foliage.  This 
colour,  though  not  lively,  is  so  full  and  rich  as  to  produce 
the  most  pleasing  harmony  with  the  bright  yellows  and  reds 
of  the  other  deciduous  trees,  and  .the  deep  green  of  the 
pines  and  cedars. 

The  ash,  unlike  the  elm,  starts  into  vegetation  late  in  the 
spring,  which  is  an  objection  to  planting  it  in  the  immediate 
vicinity  of  the  house.  In  winter,  the  long  grayish- white,  or 
ash-coloured  branches,  are  pleasing  in  tint,  compared  with 
those  of  other  deciduous  trees. 

The  White  ash.  {Fraxinus  Americana.)  This  species, 
according  to  Michaux,  is  common  to  the  colder  parts  of  the 
Union,  and  is  most  abundant  north  of  the  Hudson.  It  owes 
its  name  to  the  light  colour  of  the  bark,  which  on  large  stocks 
is  deeply  furrowed,  and  divided  into  squares  of  one  to  three 
inches  in  diameter.  The  trunk  is  perfectly  straight,  and  in 
close  woods  is  often  undivided  to  the  height  of  more  than  40 
feet.  The  leaves  are  composed  of  three  or  four  pairs  of  leaf- 
lets, terminated  by  an  odd  one ;  the  whole  twelve  or  fourteen 
inches  long.  Early  in  spring  they  are  covered  with  a  light 
down,  which  dissappears  as  summer  advances,  when  they 
become  quite  smooth,  of  a  light  green  colour  above,  and 
whitish  beneath.  The  foliage,  as  well  as  the  timber  of  our 
White  ash,  is  finer  than  that  of  the  common  European  ash, 
and  the  tree  is  much  prized  in  France  and  Germany. 

The  Black  ash,  {F.  sambucifolia,)  sometimes  called  the 
Water  ash,  requires  a  moist  soil  to  thrive  well,  and  is  seen  in 
the  greatest  perfection  on  the  borders  of  swamps.    Its  buds 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  143 

are  of  a  deep  blue ;  the  young  shoots  of  a  bright  green,  sprink- 
led with  dots  of  the  same  colour,  which  disappear  as  the  sea- 
son advances.  It  may  readily  be  distinguished  from  the 
White  ash  by  its  bark,  which  is  of  a  duller  hue,  and  less 
deeply  furrowed.  The  Black  ash  is  altogether  a  tree  of  less 
stature  than  the  preceding. 

The  other  native  sorts  are  the  Red  ash,  [F.  tomentosa,) 
with  the  bark  of  a  deep  brown  tint,  fomid  in  Pennsylvania : 
the  Green  ash,  [F.  viridis,)  which  also  grows  in  Pennsyl- 
vania, and  is  ]-emarkable  for  the  brilliant  green  of  both  sides 
of  the  leaves :  the  Blue  ash,  {F.  quadrangulata,)  a  beau- 
tiful tree  of  Kentucky,  70  feet  high,  distinguished  by  the  four 
opposite  membranes  of  a  greenish  colour,  found  on  the  young 
shoots:  and  the  Carolina  ash,  {F.  plati/carpa^)  a  small 
tree,  the  leaves  of  which  are  covered  with  a  thick  down  in 
spring. 

The  common  European  ash,  [F.  excelsior^)  strongly  resem- 
bles the  White  ash.  It  may,  however,  easily  be  known  by  its 
very  black  buds,  and  longer,  more  serrated  leaflets,  which 
are  sessile,  instead  of  being  furnished  with  petioles  like  the 
White  ash.  This  fine  tree,  as  well  as  the  White  ash,  grows 
to  80  or  90  feet  in  height,  with  a  very  handsome  head. 

The  Weeping  ash,  fig.  33,  is  a  very  remarkable  variety  of 
the  European  ash,  with  pendulous  or  weeping  branches ; 
and  is  worthy  a  place  in  every  lawn,  for  its  curious  ramifica- 
tion, as  well  as  for  its  general  beauty.  It  is  generally 
propagated  by  grafting  on  any  common  stock  as  the  White 
ash,  7  or  8  feet  high,  when  the  branches  immediately  begin 
to  turn  down  in  a  very  striking  and  peculiar  manner.  The 
droop  of  the  branches  is  hardly  a  graceful  one,  yet  it  is  so 
unique,  either  when  leafless,  or  in  full  foliage,  that  it  has  long 
been  one  of  our  greatest  favourites. 


144 


LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 


[Pig.  33.   Tbe  Weeping  Ash.] 

The  Flowering  ash,  {Fraxinus  Ornus*)  is  a  small  tree,  of 
about  20  feet,  growing  plentifully  in  the  south  of  Europe,  and 
is  also  found  sparingly  in  this  country.  Its  chief  beauty  lies 
in  the  beautiful  clusters  of  pale  or  greenish-white  flowers, 
borne  on  the  terminal  branches  in  May  and  June.  The  fo- 
liage and  general  appearance  of  the  tree,  are  much  like  those 
of  the  common  ash ;  but  when  in  blossom,  it  resembles  a 
good  deal  the  Carolina  Fringe  tree.  In  Italy,  a  gummy 
substance  called  manna,  exudes  from  the  bark,  which  is  used 
m  medicine. 


The  Lime  or  Linden  Tree.     Tilia. 

Nat.  Ord.  Tilaceae.  Lin.  Syst.    Polyandria,  Monogynia. 

This  tree,  or  rather  the  American  sort,  is  well  known 


*  Ornus  EuropeBus  of  Persoon,  and  the  European  botanists.  Beck  remarks  that 
the  American  kind  is  so  litle  known,  that  it  is  difficult  to  determine  whether  it  is 
a  diflTerent  species,  or  only  a  mere  variety  of  the  European 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  145 

among  us  by  the  name  oihasswood.  It  is  a  rapidly  growing, 
handsome,  upright,  and  regularly  shaped  tree ;  and  all  the 
species  are  much  esteemed,  both  in  Europe  and  this  country, 
for  planting  in  avenues  and  straight  lines,  wherever  the  taste 
is  in  favour  of  geometric  plantations.  In  Germany  and  Hol- 
land, it  is  a  great  favourite  for  bordering  their  wide  and 
handsome  streets,  and  lining  their  long  and  straight  canals. 
"In  Berlin,"  Granville  says  in  his  travels,  "there  is  a 
celebrated  street  called  ^unter  der  Linden,^  (under  the  lime 
trees,)  a  gay  and  splendid  avenue,  planted  with  double  rows 
of  this  tree,  which  presented  to  my  view  a  scene  far  more 
beautiful  than  I  had  hitherto  witnessed  in  any  town,  either  in 
France,  Flanders,  or  Germany."  In  this  country,  the  Euro- 
pean lime  is  also  much  planted  in  our  cities  ;  and  some  ave- 
nues of  it  may  be  seen  in  Philadelphia,  particularly  before 
the  State-house  in  Chestnut-street.  The  basswood  is  a  very 
abundant  tree  in  some  parts  of  the  middle  states,  and  is  seen 
growing  in  great  profusion,  forming  thick  woods  by  itself,  in 
the  interior  of  this  state.  With  us,  the  wood  is  consid" 
ered  too  soft  to  be  of  much  value,  but  in  England  it  was  for- 
merly in  high  repute  as  an  excellent  material  for  the  use  of 
carvers.  Some  very  beautiful  specimens  of  old  carving  in 
lime  wood,  may  be  seen  in  Windsor  Castle  and  Trinity 
College.*     The  Russian  bass  mats,  which  find  their  way  to 

♦  "  The  art  of  carving  in  wood,  brought  to  such  perfection  by  Gibbons,  is  now, 
we  believe,  much  given  up  ;  therefore,  the  lime  has  lost  a  most  important  branch 
of  its  usefulness.  Perhaps  the  finest  specimens  of  the  works  of  Gibbons  are  to  be 
seen  at  Chatsworth,  the  seat  of  the  duke  of  Devonshire,  in  Derbyshire.  The 
execution  of  the  flowers,  fish,  game,  nets,  etc.,  on  the  panelling  of  the  walls,  is 
quite  wonderful.  It  was  of  him  that  Walpole  justly  said,  '  that  he  was  the  first 
artist  who  gave  to  wood  the  loose  and  airy  lightness  of  flowers,  and  chained 
together  the  various  productions  of  the  elements,  with  a  free  disorder  natural  to 
each  species.'  The  lime  tree  is  still,  however,  used  by  the  carver,  and  we  hope 
that  the  art  of  wood  carving  may  gradually  be  restored." — Sir  T.  D.  Lander. 

19 


146 


LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 


every  commercial  country,  are  prepared  from  the  inner  bark 
of  this  tree.  The  sap  affords  a  sugar  Hke  the  maple,  although 
in  less  quantities  ;  and  it  is  stated  in  the  Encyclopaedia 
of  Plants,  (p.  467,)  "  that  the  honey  made  from  the  flowers 
of  the  lime  tree  is  reckoned  the  finest  in  the  world.  Near 
Knowno,  in  Lithuania,  there  are  large  forests  chiefly  of 
this  tree,  and  probably  a  distinct  variety.  The  honey  pro- 
duced in  these  forests  sells  at  more  than  double  the  price  of 
any  other,  and  is  used  extensively  in  medicine  and  for 
liqueurs." 

The  leaves  of  the  lime  are  large  and  handsome,  heart- 
shaped  in  form,  and  pleasing  in  colour.  The  flowers,  which 
open  in  June,  hang  in  loose,  pale  yellow  cymes  or  clusters, 
are  quite  ornamental,  and  very  fragrant. 

Sometimes 

A  scent  of  violets,  and  blossoming  limes 
Loitered  around  us;  then  of  honey  cells, 
Made  delicate  from  all  white  flower  bells. 

Keats. 

It  was  a  favourite  tree  in  the  ancient  style  of  gardening, 
as  it  bore  the  shears  well,  and  was  readily  clipped  into  all 
manner  of  curious  and  fantastic  shapes.  When  planted 
singly  on  a  lawn,  and  allowed  to  develop  itself  fully  on 
every  side,  the  linden  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  of  trees. 
Its  head  then  forms  a  fine  pyramid  of  verdure,  while  its 
lower  branches  sweep  the  ground,  and  curve  upward  in  the 
most  pleasing  form.  For  this  reason  though  the  linden  is 
not  a  picturesque  tree,  it  is  very  happily  adapted  for  the 
graceful  landscape,  as  its  whole  contour  is  full,  flowing,  and 
agreeable.  The  pleasant  odour  of  its  flowers,  is  an  ad- 
ditional recommendation,  as  well  as  its  free  growth  and 
handsome  leaves.    Were  it  not  that  of  late,  it  is  so  liable  to 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  147 

insects,  we  could  hardly  say  too  much  in  its  praise  as  a  fine 
ornament  for  streets  and  public  parks.  There,  its  regular 
form  corresponds  well  with  the  formality  of  the  architecture ; 
its  shade  affords  cool  and  pleasant  walks,  and  the  delightful 
odour  of  its  blossoms  is  doubly  grateful  in  the  confined  air 
of  the  city.  Our  basswood  has  rather  less  of  uniformity  in 
its  outline  than  the  European  lindens,  but  the  general  form 
is  the  same. 

The  American  lime,  or  basswood,  ( Tilia  Americana,)  is 
the  most  robust  tree  of  the  genus,  and  produces  much  more 
vigorous  shoots  than  the  European  species.  It  prefers  a  deep 
and  fertile  soil,  where  the  trunk  grows  remarkably  straight, 
and  the  branches  form  a  handsome  well-rounded  summit. 
The  flowers  are  borne  on  long  stalks,  and  are  pendulous 
from  the  branches.  The  leaves  are  large,  heart-shaped,  finely 
cut  on  the  margin,  and  terminated  by  a  point  at  the  extremity. 
The  seeds,  which  ripen  in  autumn,  are  like  small  peas,  round 
and  grayish. 

The  white  lime,  ( T.  alba,)  is  rare  in  the  eastern  states,  but 
common  in  Pennsylvania  and  the  states  south  of  it.  It  is 
not  a  tree  of  the  largest  size,  but  its  flowers  are  the  finest  of 
our  native  sorts.  The  leaves  are  also  very  large,  deep  green 
on  the  upper  surface,  and  white  below  ;  they  are  more  ob- 
liquely heart-shaped  than  those  of  the  common  basswood. 
The  young  branches  are  covered  with  a  smooth  silvery 
bark.  This  species  is  very  common  on  the  Susquehannah 
River. 

The  Downy  lime  tree.  ( T.  pubescens.)  The  under  side 
of  the  leaves,  and  the  fruits  of  this  species,  are,  as  its  name 
denotes,  covered  with  a  short  down.  Its  flowers  are  nearly 
white ;  the  serratures  of  the  leaves  wider  apart,  and  the  base 
of  the  leaf  obliquely  truncated.     It  is  a  handsome  large  tree, 


148  LANDSCAPE  GARDENING, 

a  native  of  Florida,  though  hardy  enough,  as  experience 
proves,  to  bear  our  northern  wmters. 

The  European  Ume,  ( T.  Europcea,)  is  distinguished  from 
the  American  sorts,  by  its  smaller  and  more  regularly  cordate 
and  rounded  leaves.  Unlike  our  native  species,  the  flowers 
are  not  furnished  with  inner  scale-like  petals.  The  foliage 
is  rather  deeper  in  hue  than  the  native  sorts,  and  the  branches 
of  the  head  rather  more  regular  in  form  and  disposition. 
There  are  two  pretty  varieties  of  the  English  lime  which  are 
well  known  in  this  country,  viz  :  the  Red-barked,  or  corallina, 
{var.  rubra,)  with  red  branches ;  and  the  Golden-barked,  {var. 
aurea,)  with  handsome  yellow  branches.  These  trees  are 
peculiarly  beautiful  in  winter,  when  a  few  of  them  mingled 
with  other  deciduous  trees  make  a  pleasing  variety  of  colour- 
ing in  the  absence  of  foliage.  The  broad-leaved  European 
lime,  is  the  finest  for  shade  and  ornament.  The  whitish 
foliage  of  Tilia  alba,  which  probably  is  also  a  variety,  has 
a  beautiful  appearance,  somewhat  like  the  Abele  tree,  in  a 
gentle  breeze. 

These  trees  grow  well  on  any  good  friable  soil,  and  readily 
endure  transplantation.  They  bear  trimming  remarkably 
well ;  and  when  but  little  root  is  obtained  the  head  may  be 
shortened  in  proportion,  and  the  tree  will  soon  make  vigor- 
ous shoots  again.  All  the  species  are  easily  increased  by 
layers. 


The  Beech  Tree.     Fagus. 
Nat.  Ord.    CorylaceBe  Lin.  Syst.  MoncEcia,  Polyandria. 

The  beech  is  a  large,  compact,  and  lofty  tree,  with  a  gray- 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  149 

ish  bark  and  finely  divided  spray,  and  is  a  common  inhabi- 
tant of  the  forest  in  all  temperate  climates.  In  the  United 
States,  this  tree  is  generally  found  congregated  in  very  great 
quantities,  wherever  the  soil  is  most  favourable  ;  hundreds 
of  acres  being  sometimes  covered  with  this  single  kind  of  tim- 
ber. §uch  tracts  are  familiarly  laiown  as  "  beech  woods." 
The  leaves  of  the  beech  are  remarkably  thin  in  texture, 
glazed  and  shining  on  the  upper  surface,  and  so  thickly  set 
upon  the  numerous  branches,  that  it  forms  the  darkest  and 
densest  shade  of  any  of  our  deciduous  forest  trees.  It  ap- 
pears to  have  been  highly  valued  by  the  ancients  as  a  shade 
tree  ;  and  Virgil  says  in  its  praise,  in  a  well-known  Eclogue  : 

"  Tityre,  tu,  patulse  recubans  sub  tegmine  fagi, 
Sylvestrem  tenui  musam  meditaris  avena." 

It  bears  a  small  compressed  nut  or  mast,  oily  and  sweet, 
which  once  was  much  valued  as  an  article  of  food.  The 
most  useful  purpose  to  which  we  have  heard  of  their  being 
applied,  as  in  the  manufacture  of  an  oil,  scarcely  inferior  to 
olive  oil.  This  is  produced  from  the  mast  of  the  beech  forests 
in  the  department  of  Oise,  France,  in  immense  quantities ; 
more  than  a  million  of  sacks  of  the  nuts  having  been  col- 
lected in  that  department  in  a  single  season.  They  are  re- 
duced, when  perfectly  ripe,  to  a  fine  paste,  and  the  oil  is  ex- 
tracted by  gradual  pressure.  The  product  of  oil,  compared 
with  the  crushed  nuts,  is  about  sixteen  per  cent.  {Michaux, 
N.  American  Sylva.) 

In  Europe,  the  wood  of  the  beech  is  much  used  in  the 
manufacture  of  various  utensils  ;  but  here,  where  our  forests 
abound  in  woods  vastly  superior  in  strength,  durability,  and 
firmness,  that  of  the  beech  is  comparatively  little  esteemed. 

For  ornamental  purposes,  the  beech,  from  its  compara- 


150  LANDSCAPE  GARDENING. 

tively  slow  growth,  and  its  abundance  in  various  parts  of  the 
country,  does  not  command  the  admiration  here  which  it 
does  in  Europe.  Campbell,  the  poet,  has  produced  so  elo- 
quent and  beautiful  an  appeal  in  favour  of  an  old  denizen  of 
the  forest,  entitled  the  "Beech  Tree's  Petition,"  that  we  gladly 
quote  it,  hoping  it  may  perchance  stay  the  hand  of  some  soi- 
dissant  improver,  who  would  despoil  our  native  woods  of  their 
proudest  glories : 

"  Oh,  leave  this  barren  spot  to  me  ! 
Spare,  woodman,  spare  the  beechen  tree  ! 
Though  bud  and  floweret  never  grow 
My  dark,  unwarming  shade  below  ; 
Nor  summer  bud  perfume  the  dew 
Of  rosy  blush  or  yellow  hue, 
Nor  fruits  of  autumn,  blossom  born, 
My  green  and  glossy  leaves  adorn ; 
Nor  murmuring  tribes  from  me  derive 
The  ambrosial  amber  of  the  hive  ; 
Yet  leave  this  barren  spot  to  me — 
Spare,  woodman,  spare  the  beechen  tree  ! 
Thrice  twenty  summers  I  have  seen 
The  sky  grow  bright,  the  forest  green ; 
And  many  a  wintry  wind  have  stood 
In  bloomless,  fruitless  solitude. 
Since  childhood  in  ray  pleasant  bower 
First  spent  its  sweet  and  sportive  hour  ; 
Since  youthful  lovers  in  my  shade. 
Their  vows  of  youth  and  rapture  made. 
And  on  my  trunk's  surviving  frame. 
Carved  many  a  long  forgotten  name. 
Oh !  by  the  sighs  of  gentle  sound 
First  breathed  upon  this  sacred  ground, 
By  all  that  love  has  whispered  there. 
Or  beauty  heard  with  ravished  ear  ; 
As  love's  own  altar,  honour  me — 
Spare,  woodman,  spare  the  beechen  tree !" 

The  beech  is  quite  handsome  and  graceful  when  young, 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  151 

and  when  large  it  forms  one  of  the  heaviest  and  grandest  of 
park  trees.  From  this  massy  quality,  however,  it  is  ex- 
cellently adapted  to  mingle  with  other  trees  when  a  thick 
and  impenetrable  mass  of  foliage  is  desired  :  and,  on  account 
of  its  density,  it  is  also  well  suited  to  shut  out  unsightly 
buildings,  or  other  objects. 

The  leaves  of  many  beech  trees  hang  on  the  tree,  in  a  dry 
and  withered  state,  during  the  whole  winter.  This  is  chiefly 
the  case  with  young  trees  ;  but  we  consider  it  as  greatly 
diminishing  its  beauty  at  that  season,  as  the  tree  is  otherwise 
very  pleasing  to  the  eye,  with  its  smooth,  round,  gray  stem, 
and  small  twisted  spray.  A  deciduous  tree,  we  think,  should 
as  certainly  drop  its  leaves  at  the  approach  of  cold  weather, 
as  an  evergreen  should  retain  them ;  more  especially  if  its 
leaves  have  a  dead  and  withered  appearance,  as  is  the  case 
with  those  of  the  beech  in  this  climate. 

The  White  beech,  {Fagus  Sylvatica,)  is  the  common 
beech  tree  of  the  middle  and  western  states.  It  is  found  in 
the  greatest  perfection  in  a  cool  situation,  and  a  moist  soil. 
The  bark  is  smooth  and  gray,  even  upon  the  oldest  stocks. 
The  leaves  oval,  smooth  and  shining,  coarsely  cut  on  the 
edges,  and  margined  with  a  soft  down  in  the  spring. 

The  Red  beech,  [F.  ferruginea^  so  called  on  account  of 
the  colour  of  its  wood,  loves  a  still  colder  climate  than  the 
other,  and  is  found  in  the  greatest  perfection  in  British  Ame- 
rica. The  leaves  are  divided  into  coarser  teeth  on  the  mar- 
gin than  the  foregoing  species.  The  nuts  are  much  smaller, 
and  the  whole  tree  forms  a  lower  and  more  spreading  head. 

The  European  beech,  {F.  sylvatica,)  is  thought  by  many 
botanists  to  be  the  same  species  as  our  white  beech,  or  at 
most  only  a  variety.      Its   average  height   in   Europe    is 


152  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

about  fifty  feet ;  the  buds  are  shorter,  and  the  leaves  not  so 
coarsely  toothed  as  our  native  sorts.  The  Purple  beech  is  a 
very  ornamental  variety  of  the  European  beech,  common  in 
the  gardens.  Both  surfaces  of  the  leaves,  and  even  the 
young  shoots,  are  deep  purple ;  and  although  the  growth  is 
slow,  yet  it  is  in  every  stage  of  its  progress,  and  more  partic- 
ularly when  it  reaches  a  good  size,  one  of  the  strangest  ano- 
malies among  trees,  in  the  hue  of  its  foliage.  There  is  also  a 
variety  called  the  copper-coloured  beech,  with  paler  purple 
leaves  ;*  and  a  more  rare  English  variety,  {F.  s.  pendula,)  the 
Weeping  beech,  with  graceful  pendant  branches. 

The  Hornbeam,  {Carpinus  Americana,)  and  the  Iron- 
wood,  ( Ostrya  Virginica.)  are  both  well  known  small  trees, 
belonging  to  the  same  natural  family  as  the  beech.  They 
are  of  little  value  in  ornamental  plantations  ;  but  from  their 
thick  foliage,  they  might  perhaps  be  employed  to  advantage 
in  making  thick  verdant  screens  for  shelter  or  concealment. 


The  Poplar  Tree.     Populus. 

Nat.  Ord.    Salicacete.  Lin.  Syst.     Dioecia,  Octandria. 

Arhor  populi,  or  the  people's  tree,  was  the  name  given  in 
the  ancient  days  of  Rome  to  this  tree,  as  being  peculiarly 
appropriated  to  those  public  places  most  frequented  by  the 

*  The  finest  Copper  Beech  in  America  is  growing  in  the  grounds  of  Thomas 
Ash,  Esq.,  Throgs  Neck,  Westchester  Co.,  N.  Y.  It  is  more  than  fifty  feet  high, 
with  a  broad  and  finely  formed  head. 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  153 

people :  some  ingenious  authors  have  still  further  justified 
the  propriety  of  the  name,  by  adding,  that  its  trembling  leaves 
are  like  the  populace,  always  in  motion. 

The  poplars  are  light- wooded,  rapid-growing  trees ;  many 
of  them  of  huge  size,  and  all  with  pointed,  heart-shaped 
leaves.  The  tassel-like  catkins,  or  male  blossoms,  of  a  red  or 
brownish  hue,  appear  early  in  the  spring.  Some  of  the 
American  kinds,  as  the  Balsam  and  Balm  of  Gilead  poplars, 
have  their  buds  enveloped  in  a  fragrant  gum ;  others,  as  the 
Silver  poplar,  or  Abele,  are  remarkable  for  the  snowy  white- 
ness of  the  under  side  of  the  foliage ;  and  the  Lombardy 
poplar,  which 

"  Shoots  up  its  spire,  and  shakes  its  leaves  in  the  sun," 

Proctor. 

for  its  remarkably  conical  or  spire-like  manner  of  growth. 
The  leaves  of  all  the  species,  being  suspended  upon  long  and 
slender  footstalks,  are  easily  put  in  motion  by  the  wind 
This,  however,  is  peculiarly  the  case  with  the  aspen,  the 
leaves  of  which  may  often  be  seen  trembling  in  the  slightest 
breeze,  when  the  foliage  of  the  surrounding  trees  is  motion, 
less.  There  is  a  popular  legend  in  Scotland  respecting  this 
tree,  which  runs  thus  : 

"  Far  off  in  the  Highland  wilds  'tis  said, 
(But  truth  now  laughs  at  fancy's  lore,) 
That  of  this  tree  the  cross  was  made, 

Which  erst  the  Lord  of  Glory  bore  ; 
And  of  that  deed  its  leaves  confess. 
E'er  since,  a  troubled  consciousness." 

In  Landscape  Gardening  the  poplar  is  not  highly  esteemed ; 
but  it  is  a  valuable  tree  when  judiciously  employed,  and 

20 


154 


LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 


produces  a  given  quantity  of  foliage  and  shade  sooner  perhaps 
than  any  other.  Some  of  the  American  kinds,  are  majestic 
and  superb  trees  when  old,  particularly  the  Cottonwood 
and  Balsam  poplars.*  One  of  the  handsomest  sorts  is 
the  Silver  poplar,  which  is  much  valued  in  our  ornamental 


r^& 


'^'^ 


ill- 


[Fig.  31.    The  Cottonwood.] 


*  There  is  a  noble  specimen  of  the  Cottonwood,  or,  as  it  is  here  called,  the 
Balm  of  Gilead  poplar,  about  two  miles  north  of  Newburgh,  on  the  Hudson, 
wliich  gives  its  name  to  the  small  village  (Balmville,)  near  it.  The  branches 
cover  a  surface  of  one  hundred  feet  in  diameter,  the  trunk  girths  twenty  feet,  and 
the  branches  stretch  over  the  public  road  in  a  most  majestic  manner.  {See 
Fig.  34. 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  155 

plantations ;  the  more  so,  perhaps,  because  it  is  an  exotic. 
At  some  distance,  the  downy  under  surfaces  of  the  leaves, 
turned  up  by  the  wind,  give  it  very  much  the  aspect  of  a  tree 
covered  with  white  blossoms.  This  effect  is  the  more  strik- 
ing, when  it  is  situated  in  front  of  a  group  or  mass  of  the 
darker  foliage  of  other  trees.  It  is  valuable  for  retaining  its 
leaves  in  full  beauty  to  the  latest  possible  period  in  the  au- 
tumn, even  when  all  the  other  deciduous  trees  are  either 
brown,  or  have  entirely  lost  their  leafy  honours.  Its  growth 
is  extremely  rapid,  forming  a  fine  rounded  head  of  thirty 
feet  in  height,  in  six  or  eight  years. 

The  Lombardy  poplar  is  a  beautiful  tree,  and  in  certain 
situations,  produces  a  very  elegant  effect ;    but  it  has  been 
planted  so  indiscriminately,  in  some  parts  of  this  country, 
in  close  monotonous  lines  before  the  very  doors  of  our  houses, 
and  in  many  places  in  straight  rows  along  the  highways  for 
miles  together,  to  the  neglect  of  our  fine  native  trees,  that  it 
has  been  tiresome  and  disgusting.     This  tree  may,  however, 
be  employed  with  singular  advantage  in  giving  life,  spirit, 
and  variety  to  a  scene  composed  entirely  of  round-headed 
trees,  as  the  oak,  ash,  etc., — when  a  tall  poplar,  emerging, 
here  and  there  from  the  back  or  centre  of  the  group,  often  im- 
parts an  air  of  elegance  and  animation  to  the  whole.     It  may, 
also,  from  its  marked  and  striking  contrast  to  other  trees,  be 
employed  to  fix  or  direct  the  attention  to  some  particular 
point  in  the  landscape.     When  large  poplars  of  this  kind 
are  growing  near  a   house  of  but  moderate   dimensions, 
they  have  a  very  bad  effect,  by  completely  overpowering  the 
building,   without  imparting  any  of  that  grandeur  of  char- 
acter conferred  by  an  old  oak,  or  other  spreading  tree.     It 
should  be  introduced  but  sparingly  in  landscape  composition, 
as  the  moment  it  is  made  common  in  any  scene,  it  gives  an 


156  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

air  of  sameness  and  formality,  and  all  the  spirited  effect  is 
lost  which  its  sparing  introduction  among  other  trees  pro- 
duces. The  Lombardy  poplar  is  so  well  adapted  to  con- 
fined situations,  as  its  branches  require  less  lateral  room  than 
those  of  almost  any  other  large  deciduous  tree. 

It  is  an  objection  to  some  of  the  poplars,  that  in  any  cul- 
tivated soil  they  produce  an  abundance  of  suckers.  For  this 
reason,  they  should  be  planted  only  in  grass  ground,  or  in 
situations  where  the  soil  will  not  be  disturbed,  or  where  the 
suckers  will  not  be  injurious.  Indeed,  we  conceive  them 
to  be  chiefly  worthy  of  introduction  in  grounds  of  large 
extent,  to  give  variety  to  plantations  of  other  and  more 
valuable  trees.  They  grow  well  in  almost  every  soil,  moist 
or  dry,  and  some  species  prefer  quite  wet  and  springy 
places. 

The  chief  American  poplars  are  the  Tacamahaca  or  Bal- 
sam poplar,  [Populus  balsamifera,)  chiefly  found  in  North- 
ern America ;  a  large  tree,  80  feet  high,  with  fragrant 
gummy  buds,  and  lanceolate-oval  leaves ;  the  Balm  of 
Gilead  poplar,  (P.  candicans)  resembling  the  foregoing  in 
its  buds,  but  with  very  large,  broad  heart-shaped  foliage. 
From  these  a  gum  is  sometimes  collected,  and  used  medici- 
nally for  the  cure  of  scurvy.  The  American  aspen,  (P. 
tremuloides,)  about  30  feet  high,  a  common  tree  with  very 
tremulous  leaves  and  greenish  bark ;  the  large  American 
aspen,  (P.  grandidentata,)  40  feet  high,  with  large  leaves 
bordered  with  coarse  teeth  or  denticulations  ;  the  Cotton 
tree,  (P.  argentea,  60  or  70  feet,  with  leaves  downy  in  a 
young  state ;  the  American  Black  poplar,  of  smaller  size, 
having  the  young  shoots  covered  with  short  hair ;  the 
Cottonwood,  (P.  Canadensis,)  found  chiefly  in  the  western 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAT.    TREES.  157 

part  of  this  state,  a  fine  tree,  with  smooth,  unequally-toothed 
Avide  cordate  leaves ;  and  the  Carolina  poplar,  (P.  angulata,) 
an  enormous  tree,  of  the  swamps  of  the  south  and  west, 
considerably  resembling  the  Cotton  tree,  but  without  the 
resinous  buds  of  that  species. 

Among  the  European  kinds,  the  most  ornamental,  as  we 
have  already  remarked,  is  the  Silver  aspen.  White  poplar,  or 
Abele  tree,  (P.  alba,)  which  grows  to  a  great  size  on  a  deep 
loamy  soil,  in  a  very  short  time.  The  leaves  are  divided  into 
lobes,  and  toothed  on  the  margin,  smooth  and  very  deep 
green  above,  and  densely  covered  with  a  soft,  close,  white 
down  beneath.  There  are  some  varieties  of  this  species 
known  abroad,  with  leaves  more  or  less  downy,  etc.  Sir  J.  E. 
Smith  remarks  in  his  English  Flora,  that  the  wood  though 
but  little  used,  is  much  firmer  than  that  of  any  other  British 
poplar  ;  making  as  handsome  floors  as  the  best  Norway  fir, 
with  the  additional  advantage  that  they  will  not  readily  take 
fire,  like  any  resinous  wood. 

The  English  aspen,  (P.  tremula,)  considerably  resembles 
our  native  aspen  ;  but  the  buds  are  somewhat  gummy.  The 
Athenian  poplar,  (P.  Grcsca,)  is  a  tree  about  40  feet  high, 
with  smaller,  more  rounded,  and  equally  serrated  foliage. 
The  common  Black  European  poplar,  (P.  nigra,)  is  also 
a  large,  rapidly  growing  tree,  with  pale-green  leaves  slightly 
notched  :  the  buds  expand  later  than  most  other  poplars,  and 
the  young  leaves  are  at  first  somewhat  reddish  in  colour. 
The  Necklace-bearing  poplar,  (P.  Tnonilifera,)  so  called  from 
the  circumstance  of  the  catkins  being  arranged  somewhat 
like  beads  in  a  necklace,  is  supposed  to  have  been  derived 
from  Canada,  but  there  are  some  doubts  respecting  its  origin : 
in  the  south  it  is  generally  called  the  Virginia  poplar. 

The  Lombardy  poplar,  (P.  dilatata,)  a  native  of  the  banks 


158  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

of  the  Po,  where  it  is  sometimes  called  the  Cypress  poplar, 
from  its  resemblance  to  that  tree,  is  too  well  known  among 
us  to  need  any  description.  Only  one  sex,  the  female,  has 
hitherto  been  introduced  into  this  country  ;  and  it  has  con- 
sequently produced  no  seeds  here,  but  has  been  entirely  pro- 
pagated by  suckers  from  the  root. 


The  Horse-chesunut  Tree,     ^sculus. 
Nat.  Ord.  ^sculacese.         Lin.  Syst.  Heptandria,  Monogynia. 

A  large,  showy,  much  admired,  ornamental  tree,  bearing 
large  leaves  composed  of  seven  leaflets,  and,  in  the  month 
of  May,  beautiful  clusters  of  white  flowers,  delicately  mottled 
with  red  and  yellow.  It  is  a  native  of  Middle  Asia,  but 
flourishes  well  in  the  temperate  climates  of  both  hemispheres. 
It  was  introduced  into  England,  probably  from  Turkey, 
about  the  year  1575  :  in  that  country  the  nuts  are  often 
ground  into  a  coarse  flour,  which  is  mixed  with  other  food 
and  given  to  horses  that  are  broken-winded  ;  and  from  this 
use  the  English  name  of  the  tree  was  derived. 

A  starch  has  been  extracted  in  considerable  quantity  from 
the  nuts.  The  wood  is  considered  valueless  in  the  United 
States. 

The  Horse-chestnut  is  by  no  means  a  picturesque  tree,  be- 
ing too  regularly  rounded  in  its  outlines,  and  too  compact 
and  close  in  its  surface,  to  produce,  an  agreeable  effect  in 
light  and  shade.  But  it  is  nevertheless  one  of  the  most  beau- 
tiful exotic  trees  which  will  bear  the  open  air  in  this  climate. 
The  leaves,  each  made  of  clusters  of  six  or  seven  leaflets, 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  159 

arc  of  a  fine  dark-green  colour ;  tlie  whole  head  of  foliage 
has  much  grandeur  and  richness  in  its  depth  of  hue,  and 
niassiness  of  outline ;  and  the  regular,  rounded,  pyramidal 
shape,  is  something  so  different  from  that  of  most  of  our  in- 
digenous trees,  as  to  strike  the  spectator  with  an  air  of  no- 
velty and  distinctness.  The  great  beauty  of  the  Horse-chest- 
nut is  the  splendour  of  its  inflorescence,  surpassing  that  of 
almost  all  our  native  forest  trees  :  the  huge  clusters  of  gay 
blossoms  which  every  spring  are  distributed  with  such  luxu- 
riance and  profusion  over  the  surface  of  the  foliage,  and  at  the 
extremity  of  the  branches,  give  the  whole  tree  the  aspect  ra- 
ther of  some  monstrous  flowering  shrub,  than  of  an  ordinary 
tree  of  the  largest  size.  At  that  season,  there  can  be  no  more 
beautiful  object  to  stand  singly  upon  the  lawn,  particularly 
if  its  branches  are  permitted  to  grow  low  down  the  trunk, 
and  (as  they  naturally  will,  as  the  tree  advances,)  sweep  the 
green  sward  with  their  drooping  foliage.  Like  the  lime 
tree,  however,  care  must  be  taken,  in  the  modern  style,  to  in- 
troduce it  rather  sparingly  in  picturesque  plantations,  and 
then  only  as  a  single  tree,  or  upon  the  margin  of  large 
groups,  masses,  or  plantations,  but  it  may  be  more  freely 
used  in  grounds  in  the  graceful  style  for  which  it  is  highly 
suitable.  When  handsome  avenues  or  straight  lines  are 
wanted,  the  Horse-chestnut  is  again  admirably  suited,  from 
its  symmetry  and  regularity.  It  is  therefore,  much,  and 
justly  valued  for  these  purposes  in  our  towns  and  cities, 
where  its  deep  shade  and  beauty  of  blossom  are  peculiarly 
desirable,  the  only  objection  to  it  being  the  early  fall  of  its 
leaves.  The  Horse-chestnut  is  very  interesting  in  its  mode 
of  growth.  The  large  buds  are  thickly  covered  in  winter 
with  a  resinous  gum,  to  protect  them  from  the  cold  and 
moisture  ;    in  the  spring,   these  burst  open,  and  the  whole 


160  LANDSCAPE  GARDENING. 

growth  of  the  young  shoots,  leaves,  flowers  and  all,  is  com- 
pleted in  about  three  or  four  weeks.  When  the  leaves 
first  unfold,  they  are  clothed  with  a  copious  cotton-like 
down,  which  falls  oflf  when  they  have  attained  their  full 
size  and  development. 

The  growth  of  the  Horse-chestnut  is  slow,  for  a  soft- wooded 
tree,  when  the  trees  are  young  :  after  five  or  six  years,  how- 
ever, it  advances  with  more  rapidity,  and  in  twenty  years 
forms  a  beautiful  and  massy  tree.  It  prefers  a  strong,  rich, 
loamy  soil,  and  is  easily  raised  from  the  large  nuts,  which 
are  produced  in  great  abundance. 

There  are  several  species  of  Horse-chestnut,  but  the  com- 
mon one,  {jEscuIus  H'qjpocastanum,)  is  incomparably  the 
finest.  The  American  sorts  are  the  following  :  {^sculus 
Ohioensis,)  or  Ohio  Buckeye,  as  it  is  called  in  the  western 
states  ;  a  small  sized  tree,  with  palmated  leaves  consisting 
of  of  five  leaflets,  and  pretty  bright  yellow  flowers,  with  red 
stamens.  The  fruit  is  about  half  the  size  of  the  exotic  species. 
The  Red-flowered  Horse-chestnut,  {JEsculus  rubictmda,) 
is  a  small  tree  with  scarlet  flowers  ;  and  the  Smooth-leaved 
{JS.  glabra,)  has  pale  yellow  flowers.  All  the  foregoing 
have  prickly  fruit.  Besides  these  are  two  small  Horse-chest- 
nuts with  smooth  fruit,  which  thence  properly  belong  to  the 
genus  Pavia,  viz :  the  Yellow-flowered  Pavia,  (P.  lutea,) 
of  Virginia  and  the  southern  states ;  and  the  Red-flowered, 
(P.  rubra,)  with  pretty  clusters  of  reddish  flowers  ;  both 
these  have  leaves  resembling  those  of  the  Horse-chestnut, 
except  in  being  divided  into  five  leaflets,  instead  of  seven. 
There  are  some  other  species,  which  are,  however,  rather 
shrubs  than  trees. 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  161 

The  Birch  Tree.      Betula. 

Nat.  Ord.  Betulacese.  Lin.  Syst.  Monoecia,  Polyandria. 

The  Birch  trees  are  common  inhabitants  of  the  forests  of 
all  cold  and  elevated  comitries.  They  are  remarkable  for 
their  smooth,  silvery- white,  or  reddish  coloured  stems,  deli- 
cate and  pliant  spray,  and  small,  light  foliage.  There  is  no 
deciduous  tree  which  will  endure  a  more  rigorous  climate, 
or  grow  at  a  greater  elevation  above  the  level  of  the  sea.  It 
is  fomid  growing  in  Greenland  and  Kamtschatka,  as  far  north 
as  the  58th  and  60th  degree  of  latitude,  and  on  the  Alps  in 
Switzerland,  according  to  that  learned  botanist,  M.  DeCan- 
doUe,  at  the  elevation  of  4,400  feet.  It  is  undoubtedly  the 
most  useful  tree  of  northern  climates.  Not  only  are  cattle 
and  sheep  sometimes  fed  upon  the  leaves,  but  the  Laplander 
constructs  his  hut  of  the  branches  ;  the  Russian  forms  the 
bark  into  shoes,  baskets,  and  cordage  for  harnessing  his  rein- 
deer ;  and  the  inhabitants  of  Northern  Siberia,  in  times  of 
scarcity,  grind  it  to  mix  with  their  oatmeal  for  food.  In  this 
country  the  birch  is  no  less  useful.  The  North  American 
Indian,  and  all  who  are  obliged  to  travel  the  wild,  unfre- 
quented portions  of  British  America, — ^who  have  to  pass  over 
rapids,  and  make  their  way  through  the  wilderness  from  river 
to  river, — find  the  canoe  made  of  the  birch  bark,  the  lightest, 
the  most  durable,  and  convenient  vessel,  for  these  purposes, 
in  the  world.* 

*  The  following  interesting  description  of  their  manufacture,  we  quote  from  Mi- 
chaux.  "  The  most  important  purpose  to  which  the  Canoe  birch  is  applied,  and 
one  in  which  its  place  is  supplied  by  no  other  tree,  is  the  construction  of  canoes. 
To  procure  proper  pieces,  the  largest  and  smoothest  trunks  are  selected  ;  in  the 
spring,  two  circular  incisions  are  made  several  feet  apart,  and  two  longitudinal 

21 


162  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

The  wood  of  our  Black  birch  is  by  far  the  finest ;  and,  as 
it  assumes  a  beautiful  rosy  colour  when  polished,  and  is  next 
in  texture  to  the  wild  Cherry  tree,  it  is  considerably  esteemd 
among  cabinet-makers  in  the  eastern  states,  for  chairs,  tables 
and  bedsteads. 

In  Europe,  the  sap  of  the  birch  is  collected  in  the  spring,  in 
the  same  manner  as  that  of  the  maple  in  this  country,  boiled 
with  sugar  and  hops,  and  fermented  with  the  aid  of  yeast. 
The  product  of  the  fermentation  is  called  hirch  wine,  and  is 
described  as  being  a  remarkably  pleasant  and  healthy  beve- 
rage. 

Though  perhaps  too  common  in  some  districts  of  our  coun- 
try to  be  properly  regarded  as  an  ornamental  tree,  yet  in 
others,  where  it  is  less  so,  the  birch  will  doubtless  be  esteemed 
as  it  deserves.  With  us  it  is  a  great  favourite  ;  and  we 
regard  it  as  a  very  elegant  and  graceful  tree,  not  less  on 
account  of  the  silvery  white  bark  of  several  species,  than 
from  the  extreme  delicacy  of  the  spray,  and  the  pleasing 
lightness  and  airiness  of  the  foliage.  In  all  the  species,  the 
branches  have  a  tendency  to  form  those  graceful  curves, 
which  contribute  so  much  to  the  beauty  of  trees  5  but  the 
European  Weeping  birch  is  peculiarly  pleasing  as  it  grows 


ones,  on  opposite  sides  of  the  tree :  after  which,  by  introducing  a  wedge,  the 
bark  is  easily  detached.  These  plates  are  usually  ten  or  twelve  feet  long,  and 
two  feet  nine  inches  broad.  To  form  canoes,  they  are  stitched  together  with 
fibrous  roots  of  the  white  spruce,  about  the  size  of  a  quill,  which  are  deprived 
of  the  bark,  split,  and  suppled  in  water.  The  seams  are  coated  with  resin  of  the 
Balm  of  Gilead.  Great  use  is  made  of  these  canoes  by  the  savages,  and  the 
French  Canadian  in  their  long  journies  through  the  interior  of  the  country :  they 
are  light,  and  are  very  easily  transported  on  the  shoulders  from  one  lake  to 
another,  which  is  called  the  portage.  A  canoe  calculated  for  four  persons,  with 
their  baggage,  weighs  from  forty  to  fifty  pounds ;  and  some  of  them  are  made 
to  carry  fifteen  passengers. 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  163 

old,  on  that  account.     It  is  this  variety  which  Coleridge 
pronounces, 

" Most  beautiful 

Of  forest  trees — the  Lady  of  the  woods." 

And  Bernard  Barton,  speaking  of  our  native  species,  says, 

"  See  the  beautiful  Birch  tree  fling 

Its  shade  on  the  grass  beneath — 
Its  glossy  leaf,  and  its  silvery  stem ; 
Dost  thou  not  love  to  look  on  them  ?" 

The  American  sorts,  and  particularly  the  Black  birch,  start 
into  leaf  very  early  in  the  spring,  and  their  tender  green  is 
agreeable  to  the  eye  at  that  season ;  while  the  swelling  buds, 
and  young  foliage  in  many  kinds,  give  out  a  delicous,  though 
faint  perfume.  Even  the  blossoms,  which  hang  like  little 
brown  tassels  from  the  drooping  branches,  are  interesting  to 
the  lover  of  nature. 

"  The  fragrant  birch  above  him  hung 

Her  tassels  in  the  sky, 
And  many  a  vernal  blossom  sprung, 
And  nodded  careless  by." 

Bryant. 

Nothing  can  well  be  prettier,  seen  from  the  windows  of  the 
drawing-room,  than  a  large  group  of  trees,  whose  depth  and 
distance  is  made  up  by  the  heavy  and  deep  masses  of  the  ash, 
oak,  and  maple,  and  the  portions  nearest  the  eye  or  the 
lawn  terminated  by  a  few  birches,  with  their  sparkling  white 
stems,  and  delicate,  airy  drooping  foliage.  Our  White  birch, 
being  a  small  tree,  is  very  handsome  in  such  situations,  and 


164  LANDSCAPE  GARDENING. 

offers  the  most  pleasing  variety  to  the  eye,  when  seen  in  con- 
nexion with  other  foliage.  Several  kinds,  as  the  Yellow  and 
the  Black  birches,  are  really  stately  trees,  and  form  fine  groups 
by  themselves.  Indeed,  most  beautiful  and  varied  masses 
might  be  formed  by  collecting  together  all  the  different  kinds, 
with  their  characteristic  barks,  branches,  and  foliage. 

As  an  additional  recommendation,  many  of  these  trees 
grow  on  the  thinnest  and  most  indifferent  soils,  whether 
moist  or  dry ;  and  in  cold,  bleak,  and  exposed  situations,  as 
well  as  in  warm  and  sheltered  places. 

We  shall  enumerate  the  different  kinds,  as  follows : — 

The  Canoe  birch,  Boleau  d  Canot,  of  the  French  Cana- 
dians, {B.  papyracea,)  sometimes  also  called  the  Paper  birch, 
is  according  to  Michaux,  most  common  in  the  forests  of  the 
eastern  states,  north  of  latitude  43°,  and  in  the  Canadas. 
There  it  attains  its  largest  size,  sometimes  seventy  feet  in 
height,  and  three  in  diameter.  Its  branches  are  slender, 
flexible,  covered  with  a  shining  brown  bark,  dotted  with 
white ;  and  on  trees  of  moderate  size,  the  bark  of  the  trunk 
is  of  a  brilliant  white :  it  is  often  used  for  roofing  houses, 
for  the  manufacture  of  baskets,  boxes,  etc.,  besides  its  most 
important  use  for  canoes,  as  already  mentioned.  The  leaves, 
borne  on  petioles  four  or  five  lines  long,  are  of  a  middling 
size,  oval,  unequally  denticulated,  smooth,  and  of  a  dark 
green  colour. 

The  White  birch,  {B.  populifolia,)  is  a  tree  of  much 
smaller  size,  generally  from  twenty  to  thirty-five  feet  in 
height :  it  is  found  in  New- York  and  the  other  middle  states, 
as  well  as  at  the  north.  The  trunk,  like  the  foregoing,  is  cov- 
ered with  silvery  bark;  the  branches  are  slender,  and 
generally  drooping  when  the  tree  attains  considerable  size. 
The  leaves  are  smooth  on  both  surfaces,  heart-shaped  at  the 


DCIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  165 

base,  very  acuminate,  and  doubly  and  irregularly  toothed. 
The  petioles  are  slightly  twisted,  and  the  leaves  are  almost 
as  tremulous  as  those  of  the  aspen.  It  is  a  beautiful  small 
tree  for  ornamental  plantations. 

The  common  Black  or  Sweet  birch.  {B.  lenta.)  This  is 
the  sort  most  generally  known  by  the  name  of  the  birch,  and 
is  widely  dilFused  over  the  middle  and  southern  states. 
In  colour  and  appearance  the  bark  much  resembles  that  of 
the  cherry  tree  ;  on  old  trees,  at  the  close  of  winter,  it  is  fre- 
quently detached  in  transverse  portions,  in  the  form  of  hard 
ligneous  plates,  six  or  eight  inches  broad.  The  leaves,  for  a 
fortnight  after  their  appearance,  are  covered  with  a  thick  sil- 
very down,  which  disappears  soon  after.  They  are  about  two 
inches  long,  serrate,  heart-shaped  at  the  base,  acuminate  at 
the  summit,  and  of  a  pleasing  tint  and  fine  texture.  The 
wood  is  of  excellent  quality,  and  Michaux  recommends  its 
introduction  largely  into  the  forests  of  the  north  of  Europe. 

The  Yellow  birch,  {B.  lutea,)  grows  most  plentifully  in 
Nova  Scotia,  Maine,  and  New-Brunswick,  on  cool,  rich  soils, 
where  it  is  a  tree  of  the  largest  size.  It  is  remarkable  for  the 
colour  and  arrangement  of  its  outer  bark,  which  is  of  a  bril- 
liant golden  yellow,  and  is  frequently  seen  divided  into  fine 
strips  rolled  backwarks  at  the  end,  but  attached  in  the  middle. 
The  leaves  are  about  three  and  a  half  inches  long,  two  and  a 
half  broad,  ovate,  acuminate,  and  bordered  with  sharp  and 
irregular  teeth.  It  is  a  beautiful  tree,  with  a  trunk  of  nearly 
uniform  diameter,  straight,  and  destitute  of  branches  for  thirty 
or  forty  feet. 

The  Red  birch,  {B.  rubra)  belongs  chiefly  to  the  south, 
being  scarcely  ever  seen  north  of  Virginia.  It  prefers  the 
moist  soil  of  river  banks,  where  it  reaches  a  noble  height. 
It  takes  its  name  from  the  cinnamon  or  reddish  colour  of  the 


166  LANDSCAPE  GARDENING. 

outer  bark  on  the  young  trees  ;  when  old,  it  becomes  rough, 
furrowed,  and  greenish.  The  leaves  are  light  green  on  the 
upper  surface,  whitish  beneath,  very  pointed  at  the  end,  and 
terminated  at  the  base  in  an  acute  angle.  The  twigs  are 
long,  flexible,  and  pendulous ;  and  the  limbs  of  a  brown 
colour,  spotted  with  white. 

The  European  White  birch.  {B.  alba.)  This  species, 
the  common  birch  tree  of  Europe,  is  intermediate  in  appear- 
ance and  qualities,  between  our  Canoe  birch  and  White  birch. 
The  latter  it  resembles  in  its  foliage,  the  former  in  its  large 
size,  and  the  excellence  of  its  wood.  There  is  a  distinct 
variety  of  this,  to  which  we  have  alluded,  called  the  Weeping 
birch,  ( Var.  pendula,)  which  is  very  rapid  in  its  growth, 
and  highly  graceful  in  its  form.  From  the  great  beauty  of 
our  native  species,  this  is  perhaps  the  only  European  sort, 
which  it  is  very  desirable  to  introduce  into  our  collections. 


The  Alder  Tree.     Alnus. 
Nat.  Ord.    Betulacece.  Lin.  Syst.     Monoecia,  Tetrandria. 

The  alder  tree  is  a  native  of  the  whole  of  Europe,  where 
it  grows  to  the  altitude  of  from  thirty  to  sixty  feet.  Our 
common'Black  alder,  {A.  glauca,)  and  Hazel-leaved  alder,  {A. 
serrulata,)  are  low  shrubs  of  little  value  or  interest.  This, 
however,  is  a  neat  tree,  remarkable  for  its  love  of  moist  situa- 
tions, and  thriving  best  in  places  even  too  wet  for  the  willows ; 
although  it  will  also  flourish  on  dry  and  elevated  soils.  The 
leaves  are  roundish  in  form,  wavy,  and  serrated  in  their  mar- 
gins, and  dark  green  in  colour.  The  tree  rapidly  forms  an 
agreeable,  pyramidal  head  of  foliage,  when  growing  in  damp 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  167 

situations.  As  it  is  a  foreign  tree,  we  shall  quote  from  Gilpin 
its  character  in  scenery.  "The  alder,"  says  he,  "loves  a 
low,  moist  soil,  and  frequents  the  banks  of  rivers,  and  will 
flourish  in  the  poorest  forest  swamps,  where  nothing  else 
will  grow.  It  is  perhaps  the  most  picturesque  of  any  of  the 
aquatic  tribe,  except  the  weeping  willow.  He  who  would  see 
the  alder  in  perfection,  must  follow  the  banks  of  the  Mole 
in  survey,  through  the  sweet  vales  of  Dorking  and  Mickle- 
ham,  into  the  groves  of  Esher.  The  Mole,  indeed,  is  far  from 
being  a  beautiful  river  ;  it  is  a  silent  and  sluggish  stream,  but 
what  beauty  it  has,  it  owes  greatly  to  the  alder,  which  every- 
where fringes  its  meadows,  and  in  many  places  forms  very 
pleasing  scenes.  It  is  always  associated  in  our  minds  with 
river  scenery,  both  of  that  tranquil  description  most  frequently 
to  be  met  with  in  the  vales  of  England,  and  with  that  wider 
and  more  stirring  cast  which  is  to  be  foimd  amidst  the  deep 
glens  and  ravines  of  Scotland ;  and  nowhere  is  this  tree  found 
in  greater  perfection  than  on  the  wild  banks  of  the  river  Find- 
horn,  and  its  tributary  streams,  where  scenery  of  the  most 
romantic  description  everywhere  prevails."* 

Although  the  beauty  of  the  alder  is  of  a  secondary  kind, 
it  is  worth  occasional  introduction  into  landscapes  where 
there  is  much  water  to  be  planted  romid,  or  low  running 
streams  to  cover  with  foliage.  In  these  damp  places,  like 
the  willow,  it  grows  very  well  from  truncheons  or  large  limbs, 
stuck  in  the  gromid,  which  take  root  and  become  trees 
speedily.  There  are  two  principal  varieties,  the  common 
alder,  {A.  glutinosa^)  and  the  cut-leaved  alder,  {A.  glutinosa 
laciniata.)  The  latter  is  much  the  handsomer  tree,  and  is 
also  the  rarest  in  our  nurseries. 

*  Lauder's  Gilpin,  1.  p.  136, 


168  LANDSCAPE  GARDENING. 

The  Maple  Tree.     Acer. 

Nat.  Ord.    Aceraceae.  Lin.  Syst.    Polygamia,  Monoscia. 

The  great  esteem  in  which  the  maples  are  held  in  the  mid- 
dle states,  as  ornamental  trees,  although  they  are  by  no  means 
uncommon  in  every  piece  of  woods  of  any  extent,  is  a  high 
proof  of  their  superior  merits  for  such  purposes.  These  con- 
sist in  the  rapidity  of  their  growth,  the  beauty  of  their  form, 
the  fine  verdure  of  their  foliage,  and  in  some  sorts,  the  ele- 
gance of  their  blossoms.  Among  all  the  species,  both  native 
and  foreign,  we  consider  the  Scarlet-flowering  maple  as  de- 
cidedly the  most  ornamental  species.  In  the  spring,  this  tree 
bursts  oilt  in  gay  tufts  of  red  blossoms ;  which  enliven  both 
its  own  branches  and  the  surrounding  scene  long  before 
a  leaf  is  seen  on  other  deciduous  trees,  and  when  the  only 
other  appearances  of  vegetation  are  a  few  catkins  of  some  wil- 
lows or  poplars,  swelling  into  bloom.  At  that  season  of  the 
year,  the  Scarlet  maple  is  certainly  the  most  beautiful  tree  of 
our  forests.  Besides  this,  it  grows  well  either  in  the  very  moist 
soil  of  swamps,  or  the  dry  one  of  upland  ridges,  forms  a  fine 
clustering  head  of  foliage,  and  produces  an  ample  and  delight- 
ful shade ;  while  it  is  also  as  little  infected  by  insects  of  any 
description  as  any  other  tree.  The  latter  advantage,  the 
Sugar  maple  and  our  other  varieties,  equally  possess.  As 
a  handsome  spreading  tree,  perhaps  the  White  maple  de- 
serves most  praise,  its  outline  and  surface  being,  in  many 
cases,  quite  picturesque.  There  is  no  quality,  however,  for 
which  the  American  maples  are  entitled  to  higher  considera- 
tion as  desirable  objects  in  scenery,  than  for  the  exquisite 
beauty  which  their  foliage  assumes  in  autumn,  as  it  fades 
and  gradually  dies  off.     At  the  first  approach  of  cold,  we 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  169 

can  just  perceive  a  bright  yellow  stealing  over  the  leaves, 
then  a  deeper  golden  tint,  then  a  few  faint  blushes,  until  at 
length  the  whole  mass  of  foliage  becomes  one  blaze  of 
crimson  or  orange. 

"  Tints  that  the  maple  woods  disclose 
Like  opening  buds  or  fading  rose, 
Or  various  as  those  hues,  that  dye 
The  clouds  that  deck  a  sunset  sky." 

The  contrast  of  colouring  exhibited  on  many  of  our  fine 
river  shores  in  a  warm  dry  autumn,  is  perhaps  superior  to 
any  thing  of  the  kind  in  the  world  :  and  the  leading  and 
most  brilliant  colours,  viz  :  orange  and  scarlet,  are  produced 
by  maples.  Even  in  Europe,  they  are  highly  valued  for 
this  autumnal  appearance,  so  different  from  that  of  most  of 
the  trees  of  the  old  world.  Yery  beautiful  effects  can  be 
produced  by  planting  the  Scarlet  and  Sugar  maples  in  the 
near  neighbourhood  of  the  ash,  which,  as  we  have  already 
noticed,  assumes  a  fine  brownish  purple  ;  of  the  sycamore, 
which  is  yellow,  and  some  of  the  oaks,  which  remain  green 
for  a  long  time  :  if  to  these  we  add  a  few  evergreens,  as  the 
White  pine  and  hemlock,  to  produce  depth,  we  shall  have  a 
kind  of  kaleidiscope  group,  harmonious  and  beautiful  as  the 
rainbow. 

When  the  maple  is  planted  to  grow  singly  on  the  lawn,  or 
in  small  groups,  it  should  never  be  trimmed  up  ten  or  twenty 
feet  high,  a  very  common  practice  in  some  places,  as 
this  destroys  half  its  beauty ;  but  if  it  be  suffered  to  branch 
out  quite  low  down,  it  will  form  a  very  elegant  head.  The 
maple  is  well  suited  to  scenes  expressive  of  graceful  beauty, 
as  they  unite  to  a  considerable  variation  of  surface,  a  pleas- 
ing softness  and  roundness  of  outline.     In  bold  or  picturesque 

22 


ITO  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING, 

scenes,  they  can  be  employed  to  advantage  by  intermingling 
them  with  the  more  striking  and  majestic  forms  of  the  oak, 
etc.,  where  variety  and  contrast  is  desired.  The  European 
sycamore,  which  is  also  a  maple,  has  a  coarser  foliage,  and 
more  of  strength  in  its  growth  and  appearance  :  it  perhaps 
approaches  nearer  in  general  expression  and  effect  to  the 
plane  tree,  than  to  our  native  maples. 

It  is  unnecessary  for  us  to  recommend  this  tree  for  avenues, 
or  for  bordering  the  streets  of  cities,  as  its  general  prevalence 
in  such  places  sufficiently  indicates  its  acknowledged  claims 
for  beauty,  shade,  and  shelter.  It  bears  pruning  re- 
markably well,  and  is  easily  transplanted,  even  when  of 
large  size,  from  its  native  woods  or  swamps.  The  finest  trees, 
however,  are  produced  from  seed. 

The  Sugar  maple,  {Acei^  saccharimim,)  is  a  very  abun- 
dant tree  in  the  northern  states  and  the  Canadas,  where  it 
sometimes  forms  immense  forests.  The  bark  is  white;  the 
leaves  four  or  five  inches  broad,  and  five-lobed ;  varying, 
however,  in  size  according  to  the  age  of  the  tree.  The  flow- 
ers are  small,  yellowish,  and  suspended  by  slender  drooping 
peduncles.  The  seed  is  contained  in  two  capsules  united  at 
the  base,  and  terminated  in  a  membranous  wing ;  they  are 
ripe  in  October.  From  certain  parts  of  the  trunks  of  old 
Sugar  maples,  the  fine  wood  called  hircVs-eye  maple  is  taken, 
which  is  so  highly  prized  by  the  cabinet-makers  ;  and  the 
sap,  which  flows  in  abundance  from  holes  bored  in  the  stem 
of  the  tree  early  in  March,  produces  the  well-known  maple 
sugar.  This  can  be  clarified,  so  as  to  equal  that  of  the  cane 
in  flavour  and  appearance  ;  and  it  has  been  demonstrated  that 
the  planting  of  maple  orchards,  for  the  production  of  sugar, 
would  be  a  profitable  investment. 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  171 

The  Scarlet-flowering  maple,  {A.  rubrum,)  is  found  chiefly 
on  the  borders  of  rivers,  or  in  swamps  ;  the  latter  place  ap- 
pears best  suited  to  this  tree,  for  it  there  often  attains  a  very 
large  size :  it  is  frequently  called  the  Soft  maple  or  Swamp 
maple.  The  blossoms  come  out  about  the  middle  of  April, 
while  the  branches  are  yet  bare  of  leaves,  and  their  numerous 
little  pendulous  stamens  appear  like  small  tufts  of  scarlet  or 
purple  threads.  The  leaves  somewhat  resemble  those  of  the 
Sugar  maple,  but  are  rather  smaller,  and  only  three  or  four 
lobed,  glaucous  or  whitish  underneath,  and  irregularly 
toothed  on  the  margin.  This  tree  may  easily  be  distin- 
guished when  young  from  the  former,  by  the  bark  of  the 
trunk,  which  is  gray,  with  large  whitish  spots.  Its  trunk, 
in  the  choicest  parts,  furnishes  the  beautiful  wood  known  as 
the  curled  maple. 

The  White  or  Silver-leaved  maple.  [A.  eriocarpum.) 
This  species  somewhat  resembles  the  Scarlet-flowering 
maple,  and  they  are  often  confounded  together  in  the  east- 
ern and  middle  states,  where  it  grows  but  sparingly.  West 
of  the  Alleghany  mountains  it  is  seen  in  perfection,  and  is 
well  known  as  the  White  maple.  Its  flowers  are  very  pale 
in  colour,  and  much  smaller  than  those  of  the  foregoing 
sorts.  The  leaves  are  divided  into  foiu:  lobes,  and  have  a 
beautiful  white  under  surface.  Michaux,  speaking  of  this  tree, 
says  :  "  In  no  part  of  the  United  States  is  it  more  multiplied 
than  in  the  western  country,  and  nowhere  is  its  vegetation 
more  luxuriant  than  on  the  banks  of  the  Ohio.  There, 
sometimes  alone  and  sometimes  mingled  with  the  willow, 
which  is  found  along  these  waters,  it  contributes  singularly, 
by  its  magnificent  foliage,  to  the  embellishment  of  the  scene. 
The  brilliant  white  of  the  leaves  beneath,  forms  a  striking 
contrast  with  the  bright  green  above,  and  the  alternate  re- 


172  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

flection  of  the  two  surfaces  in  the  water,  heightening  the 
beauty  of  this  wonderful  moving  mirror,  aids  in  forming  an 
enchanting  picture,  which,  during  my  long  excursions  in  a 
canoe  in  these  regions  of  solitude  and  silence,  I  contem- 
plated with  unwearied  admiration."*  There,  on  those  fine, 
deep,  alluvial  soils,  it  often  attains  twelve  or  fifteen  feet  in 
circumference. 

As  an  ornamental  variety,  the  Silver-leaved  maple  is  one 
of  the  most  valuable.  It  is  exceeding  rapid  in  its  growth, 
often  making  shoots  six  feet  long  in  a  season,  and  the  silvery 
hue  of  its  foliage,  when  stirred  by  the  wind,  as  well  as  its 
fine,  half  drooping  habit,  render  it  highly  interesting  to  the 
planter.  Admirable  specimens  of  this  species  may  be  seen 
in  the  wide  streets  of  Bm'lington,  N.  J. 

The  Moose  wood,  or  Striped  maple,  {A  striatum,)  is  a 
small  tree  with  beautifully  striped  bark.  It  is  often  seen  on 
the  mountains  which  border  the  Hudson,  but  abounds  most 
profusely  in  the  north  of  the  continent.  Acer  nigrum,  is  the 
Black  sugar  tree  of  Genesee.  A.  Negundo,t  the  Ash-leaved 
maple,  has  handsome  pinnated  foliage  of  a  light  green  hue ; 
it  forms  a  pleasing  tree  of  medium  size.  These  are  our 
principal  native  species.J 

Among  the  finest  foreign  sorts  is  the  Norway  maple,  {A. 
jAataiioides,)  with  leaves  intermediate  in  appearance  be- 
tween those  of  the  plane  tree  and  Sugar  maple.  The  bark 
of  the  trunk  is  brown,  and  rougher  in  appearance  than  our 
maples,  and  the  tree  is  more  loose  and  spreading  in  its 
growth ;  it  also  grows  more  rapidly,  and  strongly  resembles 
at  a  little  distance,  the  button-wood  in  its  young  state. 
Another  interesting  species  is  the  sycamore  tree  or  Great  ma- 

*  N.  A  Sylva,  1.  214.  t  Negundo  fraxinifolium. 

X  Mr.  Douglas  has  discovered  a  very  superb  maple,  \A.  macropkyllum,)  on  the 
Columbia  river,  with  very  large  leaves,  and  fine  fragrant  yeUow  blossoms. 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  173 

pie,  {A.  pseudo-platanus.)  The  latter  also  considerably  re- 
sembles the  plane ;  but  the  leaves,  like  those  of  the  common 
maple,  are  smoother.  They  are  five-lobed,  acute  in  the  divi- 
sions, and  are  placed  on  much  longer  petioles  than  those  of 
most  of  the  species.  The  flowers,  strung  in  clusters  like 
those  of  the  common  currant,  are  greenish  in  colour.  It  is 
much  esteemed  as  a  shade-tree  in  Scotland,  and  some  parts 
of  the  Continent,  and  grows  with  vigour,  producing  a  large 
head,  and  widely  spreading  branches. 


The  Locust  Tree.     Rohinia. 
Nat.  Ord.    Leguminosse.      Lin.  Syst.    Diadelphia,  Decandria. 

This  is  a  well-known  American  tree,  found  growing  wild 
in  all  of  the  states  west  of  the  Delaware  River.  It  is  a  tree 
of  secondary  size,  attaining  generally  the  height  of  forty  or 
fifty  feet.  The  leaves  are  pinnated,  bluish -green  in  colour, 
and  are  thinly  scattered  over  the  branches.  The  white  blos- 
soms ap  pear  in  June,  and  are  highly  fragrant  and  beautiful ; 
and  from  them  the  Paris  perfumers  distil  an  extrait  which 
greatly  resembles  orange-flower  water,  and  is  used  for  the 
same  purposes. 

As  an  ornamental  tree,  we  do  not  esteem  the  locust  highly. 
The  objections  to  it  are,  1st,  its  meagreness  and  lightness  of 
foliage,  producing  but  little  shade ;  secondly,  the  extreme 
brittleness  of  its  branches,  which  are  liable  to  be  broken  and 
disfigured  by  every  gale  of  wind  ;  and  lastly,  the  abundance 
of  suckers  which  it  produces.  Notwithstanding  these  defects, 
we  would  not  entirely  banish  the  locust  from  our  pleasure- 


174  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

grounds  ;  for  its  light  foliage  of  a  fresh  and  pleasing  green 
may  often  be  used  to  advantage  in  producing  a  variety  with 
other  trees ;  and  its  very  fragrant  blossoms  are  beautiful, 
when,  in  the  beginning  of  summer  they  hang  in  loose  pen- 
dulous clusters  from  among  its  light  foliage.  These  will 
always  speak  sufficiently  in  its  favour  to  cause  it  to  be 
planted  more  or  less,  where  a  variety  of  trees  is  desired.  It 
should,  however,  be  remembered  that  the  foliage  comes  out 
at  a  late  period  in  spring,  and  falls  early  in  autumn,  which 
we  consider  objections  to  any  tree  that  is  to  be  planted  in 
the  close  vicinity  of  the  mansion.  It  is  valuable  for  its 
extremely  rapid  growth  when  young  ;  as  during  the  first 
ten  or  fifteen  years  of  its  life,  it  exceeds  in  thrifty  shoots 
almost  all  other  forest  trees  :  but  it  is  comparatively  short- 
lived, and  in  twenty  years  time,  many  other  trees  would 
completely  overtop  and  outstrip  it.  It  is  easily  propagated 
by  seed,  which  is  by  far  the  best  mode  of  raising  it,  and  it 
prefers  a  deep,  rich,  sandy  loam.* 

As  a  timber  tree  of  the  very  first  class,  the  locust  has  but 
few  rivals.  It  is  found  to  be  stronger  and  more  durable  than 
the  best  oak  or  Red  cedar  ;  while  it  is  lighter,  and  equally 
durable  with  the  Live  oak  of  the  south.  Its  excellency  for 
ship-building  is  therefore  unsurpassed  ;  and  as  much  of  the 
timber  as  can  be  procured  of  sufficient  size,  commands  a 
high  price  for  that  purpose.     Great  use  is  also  made  of  it  in 

*  There  is  a  great  difference  in  the  growth  of  this  tree.  In  cold  or  indifferent 
soils,  it  presents  a  rough  and  rugged  aspect;  but  in  deep,  warm,  sandy  soils,  it 
becomes  quite  another  tree  in  appearance.  The  highest  specimens  we  have  ever 
seen,  are  now  growing  in  such  soil  on  the  estate  of  J.  P.  Derwint,  Esq.  at  Fishkill 
Landing,  on  the  banks  of  the  Hudson,  New- York.  Some  specimens  there,  mea- 
sure 90  feet,  which  is  higher  than  Michaux  saw  on  the  deep  alluvials  in  Kentucky, 
where  they  are  natives.  The  finest  single  tree  is  one  standing  in  front  of  the 
mansion  at  Clermont,  on  the  Hudson,  which  is  four  feet  in  diameter. 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  175 

trunnels,  (the  wooden  pins  which  fasten  the  side  planks  to  the 
ship  frame,)  and  it  is  now  extensively  substituted  for  the  iron 
ones  formerly  used  for  that  purpose,  a  considerable  quantity 
of  the  wood  is  now  even  exported  to  England  for  this 
purpose.  For  posts  it  is  more  durable  than  the  Red  cedar, 
and  is  therefore  in  high  estimation  for  fencing.  In  France, 
where  the  tree  was  introduced  by  Jean  Robin,  herbalist  to 
Henri  IV.,  (whence  the  name  Robinia,)  it  is  much  cultivated 
for  the  poles  used  in  supporting  the  grapes  in  vineyards. 
It  has  the  remarkable  property,  says  Michaux,  of  beginning 
from  the  third  year  to  convert  its  sap  into  perfect  wood ; 
which  is  not  done  by  the  elm,  oak,  beech  or  chestnut,  until 
after  the  tenth  or  fifteenth  year.  Hence  excellent  and  dura" 
ble  timber  can  be  obtained  from  this  tree,  in  a  shorter  period 
than  from  any  other.* 

The  locust  can  be  cultivated  to  advantage  as  a  timber  tree, 
only  upon  deep,  mellow,  and  rather  rich,  sandy  soils ;  there, 

*  Cobbett,  who,  en  passant,  though  a  most  remarkable  man,  was  as  great  a  quack 
in  gardening  as  the  famous  pill-dealers  now  are  in  medicine,  carried  over  from 
this  country  when  he  returned  to  England,  a  great  quantity  of  seeds  of  the  lo- 
cust, which  he  reared  and  sold  in  immense  quantities.  In  his  "  Woodlands," 
which  appeared  about  that  time,  he  praised  its  value  and  utility  in  the  most  ex- 
aggerated terms,  affirming  "  that  no  man  in  America  will  pretend  to  say  he  ever 
saw  a  bit  of  it  in  a  decayed  state."  And  that  "  its  wood  is  absolutely  indestructible 
hy  the  powers  of  earth,  air,  and  water."  "  The  time  will  come,"  he  continues,  "  and 
it  will  not  be  very  distant,  when  the  locust  tree  will  be  more  common  in  England 
than  the  oak ;  when  a  man  would  be  thought  mad  if  he  used  anything  but  lo- 
cust in  the  construction  of  sills,  posts,  gates,  joists,  feet  for  rick  stands,  stocks  and 
axletrees  for  wheels,  hop-poles,  pales,  or  for  anything  where  there  is  liability  to 
rot.  This  time  will  not  be  distant,  seeing  that  the  locust  tree  grows  so  fast. 
The  next  race  of  children  but  one,  that  is  to  say,  those,  who  will  be  born  60  years 
hence,  will  think  the  locust  trees  have  always  been  the  most  numerous  trees  in 
England  ;  and  some  curious  writer  of  a  century  or  two  hence  will  tell  his  read- 
ers, that  wonderful  as  it  may  seem,  '  the  locust  was  hardly  known  in  England 
until  about  the  year  1823,  when  the  nation  was  introduced  to  a  knowledge  of  it  by 


176 


LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 


its  growth  is  wonderfully  vigorous,  and  an  immense  number 
may  be  grown  upon  a  small  area  of  ground.  In  clayey, 
heavy,  or  strong  loamy  soils,  the  tree  never  attains  much 
size,  and  is  extremely  liable  to  the  attacks  of  the  borer, 
which  renders  its  wood  in  a  great  measure  valueless.  In 
particularly  favourable  situations,  its  culture  may  be  made 
extremely  profitable.* 

There  are  but  two  distinct  species  of  locust  which  attain 
the  size  of  trees  in  this  country,  viz:  the  Yellow  locust,  {R. 
pseud-acacia,)  so  called  from  the  colour  of  its  wood ;  and  the 
Honey  locust,  {R.  viscosa,)  a  smaller  tree,  with  reddish  flow- 
ers, and  branches  covered  with  a  viscid  honey-like  gum. 
Some  pretty  varieties  of  the  former  have  been  originated  in 
gardens  abroad,  among  which  the  Parasol  locust,  ( Var.  um- 
hraculifera,)  is  decidedly  the  most  interesting.  We  recollect 
some  handsome  specimens  which  were  imported  by  the  late 
M.  Parmentier,  and  grew  in  his  garden  at  Brooklyn,  Long 
Island.  They  were  remarkable  for  their  unique,  rounded, 
umbrella-like  heads,  when  grafted  ten  or  twelve  feet  high  on 
the  common  locust. 

William  Cobbett.'  What  he  will  say  of  me  besides,  I  do  not  know ;  but  I  know 
he  will  say  this  of  me.  I  enter  this  upon  account,  therefore,  knowing  that  I  am 
writing  for  centuries  to  come."  ! !  For  a  fuller  accoimt  of  his  locust  frenzy,  we 
refer  our  readers  to  the  very  complete  article  on  Robinia,  in  that  magnificent 
work,  the  "  Arboretum  Britannicum." 

*  There  is  a  well  known  instance  of  the  profit  of  this  tree,  which  we  perceive 
has  found  its  way  into  the  memoirs  of  the  Agricultural  Society  of  Paris.  A 
farmer  on  Long  Island,  some  sixty  years  ago,  on  the  year  of  his  marriage,  planted 
fourteen  acres  of  his  farm  with  the  Yellow  locust.  When  his  eldest  son  married 
at  twenty-two,  he  cut  twelve  hundred  dollars  worth  of  timber  from  the  field,  as 
a  marriage  portion,  which  he  gave  his  son  to  buy  a  settlement  in  Lancaster 
County,  Pennsylvania,  then  considered  a  part  of  the  "  western  country."  Three 
years  after,  the  locust  grove  yielded  as  much  for  a  daughter ;  and  in  this  way 
his  whole  family  were  provided  for ;  as  the  rapidity  with  wliich  the  young  suckers 
grew  up,  fully  repaired  the  breaches  made  in  the  fourteen  acres. 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  177 

There  are  two  pretty  distinct  varieties  of  the  common 
Yellow  locust,  cultivated  on  the  Hudson.  That  most  fre- 
quently seen  is  the  White  variety,  which  forms  a  tall  and 
narrow  head ;  the  other  is  the  Black  locust,  with  a  broad, 
and  more  spreading  head,  and  larger  trunk  ;  the  latter  may 
be  seen  in  fine  condition  at  Clermont.  It  is  a  much  finer 
ornamental  tree,  and  appears  less  liable  to  the  borer  than  the 
White  variety. 


The  Three-thorned  Acacia  Tree.     Gleditschia. 

Nat.  Ord.  Leguminosee.  Lin.  Syst.    Polygamia,  Dicecia. 

This  tree  is  often  called  the  Three-thorned  locust,  from 
some  resemblance  to  the  latter  tree.  Its  delicate,  doubly  pin- 
nate leaves,  however,  are  much  more  like  those  of  the  Aca- 
cias, a  family  of  plants  not  hardy  enough  to  bear  our  climate. 
It  is  a  much  finer  tree  in  appearance  than  the  common  locust, 
although  the  flowers  are  greenish  and  inconspicuous,  instead 
of  possessing  the  beauty  and  fragrance  of  the  latter.  There 
is,  however,  a  peculiar  elegance  about  its  light  green  and 
beautiful  foliage,  which  wafts  so  gracefully  in  the  summer 
breeze,  and  folds  up  on  the  slightest  shower,  that  it  stands  far 
above  that  tree  in  our  estimation,  for  the  embellishment  of 
scenery.  The  branches  spread  out  rather  horizontally,  in 
a  fine,  broad,  and  lofty  head :  there  are  none  of  the  dead 
and  unsightly  branches  so  common  on  the  locust ;  and  the 
light  feathery  foliage,  lit  up  in  the  sunshine,  has  an  airy 
and  transparent  look,  rarely  seen  in  so  large  a  tree,  which 
sometimes  produces  very  happy  effects  in  composition  with 

23 


178  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

Other  trees.  The  bark  is  of  a  pleasmg  brown  smooth  in 
surface  ;  the  branches  are  studded  over  with  curious,  long, 
triply-pointed  thorns,  which  also  often  jut  out  in  clusters,  in 
every  direction  from  the  trunk  of  the  tree,  to  the  length  of 
four  or  five  inches,  giving  it  a  most  singular  and  forbidding 
look.  In  winter,  these  and  the  long  seed-pods,  five  or  six 
inches  in  length,  which  hang  upon  the  boughs  at  that  season, 
give  the  whole  tree  a  very  distinct  character.  These  pods 
contain  a  sweetish  substance,  somewhat  resembling  honey  ; 
whence  the  tree  has  in  some  places  obtained  the  name  of 
Honey  locust,  which  properly  belongs  to  Rohinia  viscosa. 

Another  recommendation  of  this  tree,  is  the  variety  of  pic- 
turesque shapes  which  it  assumes  in  growing  up  ;  sometimes 
forming  a  tall  pyramidal  head  of  .50  or  60  feet,  sometimes  a 
low  horizontally  branched  tree,  and  at  others  it  expands  into  a 
wide  irregular  head,  quite  flattened  at  the  summit.  It  does 
not  produce  suckers  like  the  locust,  and  may  therefore  be  in- 
troduced into  any  part  of  the  grounds.  When  but  a  limited 
extent  is  devoted  to  a  lawn  or  garden,  this  tree  should  be 
among  the  first  to  obtain  a  place  ;  as  one  or  two  Three- 
thorned  Acacias,  mingled  with  other  larger  and  heavier  foli- 
age, will  at  once  produce  a  charming  variety. 

The  Three-thorned  Acacia  has  been  strongly  recommended 
for  hedges.  It  is  too  liable  to  become  thin  at  the  bottom,  to 
serve  well  for  an  outer  enclosure,  but  if  kept  well  trimme(^ 
it  forms  a  capital  farm  fence  and  protection  against  the  larger 
animals,  growing  up  in  much  less  time  than  the  hawthorn. 
Like  the  locust,  it  has  the  disadvantage  of  expandmg  its  fo- 
liage late  in  the  spring.  In  the  strong  rich  soils,  which  it 
prefers,  it  grows  very  vigorously,  and  is  easily  propagated 
from  seeds. 

The  Three-thorned  Acacia,  ( G.  triacanthos,)  is  the  prin- 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  179 

cipal  species,  and  is  indigenous  to  the  states  west  of  the 
Alleghanies.  G.  monosjierona  is  another  kind,  which  is 
scarcely  distinguishable  from  the  Three-thorned,  except  in 
having  one-seeded  pods.  The  seedlings  raised  from  G.  tri- 
acanthos,  are  often  entirely  destitute  of  thorns. 

There  is  a  fine  species  called  the  Chinese,  {G.  horrida,) 
with  larger  and  finer  foliage,  and  immense  triple  thorns,  which 
is  interesting  from  its  great  singularity.  A  tree  of  this  kind 
which  we  imported,  has  stood  our  coldest  winters  perfectly 
uninjured,  and  promises  to  be  beautiful  and  very  hardy. 
Some  noble  specimens  of  the  common  Three-thorned  Acacia, 
may  be  seen  upon  the  lawn  at  Hyde  Park,  the  fine  seat  of 
the  late  Dr.  Hosack. 


The  Judas  Tree.     Cercis. 

Nat.  Ord.  Leguminosae.        Lin.  Syst.    Decandria,  Monogynia. 

A  handsome  low  tree,  about  20  feet  in  height,  which  is 
found  scattered  sparsely  through  warm  sheltered  valleys, 
along  the  Hudson  and  other  rivers  of  the  northern  sections  of 
the  United  States,  but  most  abundantly  on  the  Ohio.  It  is 
valuable  as  an  ornamental  tree,  no  less  on  account  of  its 
exceedingly  neat  foliage,  which  is  exactly  heart-shaped,  or 
cordiform,  and  of  a  pleasing  green  tint,  than  for  its  pretty 
pink  blossoms.  These,  which  are  pea-shaped,  are  produced 
in  little  clusters  close  to  the  branches,  often  in  great  pro- 
fusion, early  in  the  spring,  before  the  leaves  have  expanded. 
From  the  appearance  of  the  limbs  at  that  period,  it  has  in 
some  places  obtained  the  name  of  Red-hud.     It  is  then  one 


180  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

of  the  most  ornamental  of  trees,  and,  in  company  with  the 
Dog-wood,  serves  greatly  to  enliven  the  scene,  and  herald 
the  advent  of  the  floral  season.  These  blossoms,  according 
to  Loudon,  [Encycl.  of  Plants,)  having  an  agreeable  poign- 
ancy, are  frequently  eaten  in  salads  abroad,  and  pickled  by 
the  French  families  in  Canada.  The  name  of  Judas  tree 
appears  to  have  been  whimsically  bestowed  by  Gerard,  an 
old  English  gardener,  who  described  it  in  1596,  and  relates 
that  "  this  is  the  tree  whereon  Judas  did  hange  himselfe  ; 
and  not  upon  the  elder  tree,  as  it  is  said." 

There  are  two  species  in  common  cultivation ;  the  Ameri- 
can, (C.  Canadensis,)  and  the  European,  {C.  Siliquastrum.) 
The  latter  much  resembles  our  native  tree.  The  flowers, 
however,  are  deeper  in  colour ;  the  leaves  darker,  and  less 
pointed  at  the  extremity.  It  also  produces  blossoms  rather 
more  profusely  than  the  American  tree.  Both  species  are 
highly  worthy  of  a  place  in  the  garden,  or  near  the  house, 
where  their  pleasing  vernal  inflorescence  may  be  observed. 


The  Chestnut  Tree.     Castanea. 

Nat.  Ord.  Corylacete.  Lin.  Syst.    Monoecia,  Polyandria. 

The  chestnut,  for  its  qualities  in  Landscape  Gardening, 
ranks  with  that  king  of  the  forest,  the  oak.  Like  that  tree, 
it  attains  an  enormous  size,  and  its  longevity  in  some  cases 
is  almost  equally  remarkable.  Its  fine  massy  foliage,  and 
sweet  nuts,  have  rendered  it  a  favourite  tree  since  a  very  re- 
mote period.  Among  the  ancients,  the  latter  were  a  com- 
mon article  of  food. 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  181 

"  Sunt  nobis  mitia  poraa 

Castanea  molles,  et  pressi  copia  lactis." 

ViRG.  EcL.   1. 

They  appear  to  have  been  ill  general  use,  both  in  a  raw  and 
cooked  state.  In  times  of  scarcity,  they  probably  supplied 
in  some  measure  the  place  of  bread-stuffs,  and  were  thence 
highly  valued  : 

"As  for  the  thrice  three  angled  beech  nut  shell, 
Or  Chestnut's  armed  huske  and  hid  kernell, 
No  squire  durst  touch,  the  law  would  not  afford, 
Kept  for  the  court,  and  for  the  king's  own  board." 

Bp.  Hall,  Sat.  B.  III.  1. 

Even  to  this  day.  in  those  parts  of  France  and  Italy  near- 
est the  great  chestnut  forests  of  the  Appenines,  these  nuts 
form  a  large  portion  of  the  food  which  sustains  the  peasantry, 
where  grain  is  but  little  cultivated,  and  potatoes  almost  un- 
known. There  a  sweet  and  highly  nutritious  flour  is  pre- 
pared from  them,  which  makes  a  delicious  bread.  Large 
quantities  of  the  fruit  are  therefore  annually  collected  in  those 
countries,  and  dried  and  stored  away  for  the  winter's  con- 
sumption. Old  Evelyn  says,  "the  bread  of  the  flour  is  ex- 
ceedingly nutritive  :  it  is  a  robust  food,  and  makes  women 
well  complexioned,  as  I  have  read  in  a  good  author.  They 
also  make  fritters  of  chestnut  flour,  which  they  wet  with 
rose-water,  and  sprinkle  with  grated  parmigans,  and  so  fry 
them  in  fresh  butter  for  a  delicate."  The  fruit  of  the  chest- 
nut abounds  in  saccharine  matter ;  and  we  learn  from  a 
French  periodical,  that  experiments  have  been  made,  by 
which  it  is  ascertained  that  the  kernel  yields  nearly  sixteen 
per  cent,  of  good  sugar. 

As  a  timber  tree,  this  is  greatly  inferior  to  the  oak,  being 


182  LANDSCAPE  GARDENING. 

looser  grained,  and  more  liable  to  decay  ;  and  the  American 
wood  is  more  open  to  this  objection  than  that  produced  on 
the  opposite  side  of  the  Atlantic.  It  is,  however,  in  general 
use  among  us,  for  posts  and  rails  in  fencing  ;  and  when  the 
former  are  charred,  they  are  found  to  be  quite  durable. 

The  finest  natural  situations  for  this  tree,  appear  to  be  the 
mountainous  slopes  of  mild  climates,  where  it  attains  the 
greatest  possible  perfection.  Michaux  informs  us,  that  the 
most  superb  and  lofty  chestnuts  in  America  are  to  be  found 
in  such  situations,  in  the  forests  of  the  Carolinas.  Abroad, 
every  one  will  call  to  mind  the  far-famed  chestnuts  of  Mount 
Etna,  of  wonderful  age  and  extraordinary  size.  The  great 
chestnut  there,  has  excited  the  surprise  of  numerous  travellers ; 
at  present,  however,  it  appears  to  be  scarcely  more  than 
a  mere  shell,  the  wreck  of  former  greatness.  When  visited 
by  M.  Houel,  {Arboretum  Brit.)  it  was  in  a  state  of  decay, 
having  lost  the  greater  part  of  its  branches,  and  its  trunk  was 
quite  hollow.  A  house  was  erected  in  the  interior,  and 
some  country  people  resided  in  it,  with  an  oven,  in  which,  ac- 
cording to  the  custom  of  the  country,  they  dried  chestnuts, 
filberts,  and  other  fruits,  which  they  wished  to  preserve  for 
winter  use ;  using  as  fuel,  when  they  could  find  no  other, 
pieces  cut  with  a  hatchet  from  the  interior  of  the  tree.  In 
Brydone's  time,  in  1770  this  tree  measured  two  hundred 
and  four  feet  in  circumference.  He  says  it  had  the  appear- 
ance of  five  distinct  trees  ;  but  he  was  assured  that  the  space 
was  once  filled  with  solid  timber,  and  there  was  no  bark 
on  the  inside.  This  circumstance  of  an  old  trunk,  hollow  in 
the  interior,  becoming  separated  so  as  to  have  the  appearance 
of  being  the  remains  of  several  distinct  trees,  is  frequently 
met  with  in  the  case  of  very  old  mulberry  trees  in  Great 
Britain,  and  olive  trees  in  Italy.     Kircher,  about  a  century 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  183 

before  Brydone,  affirms  that  an  entire  flock  of  sheep  might 
be  enclosed  within  the  Etna  chestnut,  as  in  a  fold.*  {Ar- 
boj^etiim  Brit.  p.  1988.) 

In  considering  the  chestnut  as  highly  edapted  to  ornament 
the  grounds  of  extensive  country  residences,  much  that  we 
have  already  said  of  the  oak  will  apply  to  this  tree.  When 
young,  its  smooth  stem,  clear  and  bright  foliage,  and  lively 
aspect,  when  adorned  with  the  numerous  light  greenish  yel- 
low blossoms,  which  project  beyond  the  mass  of  leaves,  ren- 
der it  a  graceful  and  beautiful  tree.  It  has  long  been  a 
favourite  with  the  poets  for  its  grateful  shade  ;  and  as  the 
roots  run  deep,  the  soil  beneath  it  is  sufficiently  rich  and 
sheltered  to  afford  an  asylum  for  the  minutest  beauties  of 
the  woods.     Tennyson  sweetly  says : — 

"  That  slope  beneath  the  chestnut  tall 
Is  wooed  with  choicest  breaths  of  air, 
Methinks  that  I  could  tell  you  all 
The  cowslips  and  the  king  cups  there." 

When  old,  its  huge  trunk,  wide-spread  branches,  lofty  head, 
and  irregular  outline,  all  contribute  to  render  it  a  picturesque 
tree  of  the  very  first  class.  In  that  state,  when  standing 
alone,  with  free  room  to  develope  itself  on  eveiy  side,  like 

*  One  of  the  most  celebrated  Chestnut  trees  on  record,  is  that  call«d  the  Tort- 
worth  Chestnut,  in  England.  In  1772,  Lord  Ducie,  the  owner,  had  a  portrait  of  it 
taken,  which  was  accompanied  by  the  following  description  :  "  The  east  view 
of  the  ancient  Chestnut  tree  at  Tortworth,  in  the  county  of  Gloucester,  which 
measures  nineteen  yards  in  circumference,  and  is  mentioned  by  Sir  Robert  Aikins 
in  his  history  of  that  county,  as  a  famous  tree  in  King  John's  reign :  and  by  Mr. 
Evelyn  in  his  Sylva,  to  have  been  so  remarkable  in  the  reign  of  King  Stephen, 
1135,  as  then  to  be  called  the  great  Chestnut  of  Tortworth  ;  from  which,  it  may 
reasonably  be  presumed  to  have  been  standing  before  the  conquest,  1066."  This 
tree  is  still  standing. 


184  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

the  oak,  it  gives  a  character  of  dignity,  majesty  and  grandeur, 
to  the  scene,  beyond  the  power  of  most  trees  to  confer.  It  is 
well  known  that  the  favourite  tree  of  Salvator  Rosa,  and  one 
which  was  most  frequently  introduced  with  a  singularly 
happy  effect  into  his  wild  and  picturesque  compositions,  was 
the  chestnut ;  sometimes  a  massy  and  bold  group  of  its 
verdure,  but  oftener  an  old  and  storm-rifted  giant,  half  leaf- 
less, or  a  barren  trunk  coated  with  a  rich  verdure  of  mosses 
and  lichens. 

The  chestnut  in  maturity,  like  the  oak,  has  a  great  variety 
of  outline  ;  and  no  trees  are  better  fitted  than  these  for  the 
formation  of  grand  groups,  heavy  masses,  or  wide  outlines 
of  foliage.  A  higher  kind  of  beauty,  less  tame,  and  possess- 
ing more  permanent  interest  to  the  picturesque  eye,  can  be 
formed  of  these  two  genera  of  trees  when  disposed  in  grand 
masses,  than  with  any  other  forest  trees  of  temperate  cli- 
mates ;   perhaps  we  may  say  of  any  climate. 

There  is  so  little  difference  in  the  common  Sweet  chestnut 
{Castanea  vesca,)  of  both  hemispheres,  that  they  are  gene- 
rally considered  the  same  species.  Varieties  have  been 
produced  in  Europe,  which  far  surpass  our  common  chest- 
nuts of  the  woods,  in  size,  though  not  in  delicacy,  and  rich- 
ness of  flavour.  Those  cultivated  for  the  table  in  France, 
are  known  by  the  name  of  marrons.  These  improved 
sorts  of  the  Spanish  chestnut,  bear  fruit  nearly  as  large  as 
that  of  the  Horse-chestnut,  inferior  in  sweetness,  when  raw, 
to  our  wild  species,  but  delicious  when  roasted.  The  Span- 
ish chestnut  thrives  well,  and  forms  a  large  tree,  south  of 
the  Highlands  of  the  Hudson,  but  is  rather  tender  north  of 
this  neighborhood.  A  tree  in  the  grounds  at  Presque  Isle, 
the  seat  of  William  Denning,  Esq.,  Dutchess  Co.,  is  now 


1 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  185 

40  feet  high.  They  may  be  procured  from  the  nurseries, 
and  we  can  hardly  recommend  to  our  planters  more  accept- 
able additions  to  our  nut  bearing  forest  trees. 

The  Chinquapin  or  Dwarf  chestnut,  (C.jo?«mi^a,)  is  a  cu- 
rious low  bush,  from  four  to  six  feet  high.  The  leaves  are 
nearly  the  size  of  the  ordinary  chestnut,  or  rather  smaller, 
and  the  fruit  about  two-thirds  as  large.  It  is  indigenous  to 
all  the  states  south  of  Pennsylvania,  and  is  often  found  in 
great  abundance.  It  is  a  curious  little  tree,  or  more  properly 
a  shrub,  and  merits  a  place  in  the  garden :  or  it  may  be 
advantageously  planted  for  underwood  in  a  group  of  large 
trees. 

As  the  chestnut,  like  the  oak,  forms  strong  tap-roots,  it  is 
removed  with  some  difficulty.  The  finest  trees  are  produced 
from  the  nut,  and  their  growth  is  much  more  rapid  when 
young,  than  that  of  the  transplanted  tree.  It  prefers  a  deep 
sandy  loam,  rather  moist  than  dry ;  and  will  not,  like  many 
forest  trees,  accommodate  itself  to  wet  and  low  situations. 


The  Osage  Orange  Tree.     Madura. 

Nat.  Ord.     Urticacese  Lin.  Syst.     Dioecia,  Tetrandria. 

This  interesting  tree  is  found  growing  wild  on  the  Arkan- 
sas River,  and  other  western  tributaries  of  the  Mississippi, 
south  of  St.  Louis,  where,  according  to  Mr.  Nuttall,  it  attains 
the  height  of  50  or  60  feet.  The  branches  are  rather  light- 
coloured,  and  armed  with  spines,  (produced  at  every  joint,) 
about  an  inch  and  a  half  long.  The  leaves  are  long,  ovate 
and  acuminate,  or  pointed  at  the  extremity  ;  they  are  deep 

24 


186  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

green,  and  more  glossy  and  bright  than  those  of  the  orange. 
The  blossoms  are  greenish  ;  and  the  fruit  is  about  the  shape 
and  size  of  a  large  orange,  but  the  surface  much  rougher  than 
that  fruit.  In  the  south,  we  are  told,  it  assumes  a  deep  yel- 
low colour,  and,  at  a  short  distance,  strikingly  resembles  the 
common  orange  :  the  specimens  of  fruit  which  we  have  seen 
growing  in  Philadelphia,  did  not  assume  that  fine  colour ; 
but  the  appearance  of  the  tree  laden  with  it,  is  not  unlike 
that  of  a  large  orange  tree.  It  was  first  transplanted  into 
our  gardens  from  a  village  of  the  Osage  tribe  of  Indians, 
whence  the  common  name  of  Osage  orange.  The  introduc- 
tion of  this  tree  was  one  of  the  favourable  results  of  Lewis 
and  Clarke's  Expedition.  It  was  named  by  the  min  honour 
of  the  late  Wm.  Maclure,  Esq.  President  of  the  American 
Academy  of  Natural  Sciences. 

The  wood  is  fine  grained,  yellow  in  colour,  and  takes  a 
brilliant  polish.  It  is  also  very  strong  and  elastic,  and  on 
this  account  the  Indians,  of  the  wide  district  to  which  this 
tree  is  indigenous,  employ  it  extensively  for  bows,  greatly 
preferring  it  to  any  other  timber.  Hence  its  common  name, 
among  the  white  inhabitants,  is  Bodac,  a  corruption  of  the 
term  bois  d^arc,  [bow-ioood,)  of  the  French  settlers.  A  fine 
yellow  dye  is  extracted  from  the  wood,  similar  to  that  of  the 
Fustic. 

As  the  Osage  orange  belongs  to  the  monoBcious  class  of 
plants,  it  does  not  perfect  its  fruit,  unless  both  the  male 
and  female  trees  are  growing  in  the  same  neighbourhood. 
Many  have  believed  the  fruit  to  be  eatable,  both  from  its  fine 
appearance,  and  from  its  affinity  with,  and  resemblance  to 
that  of  the  bread-fruit ;  but  all  attempts  to  render  it  pleasant, 
either  cooked  or  in  a  raw  state,  have  hitherto  failed :  it  is 
therefore  probably  inedible,  though  not  injurious.     Perhaps 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  187 

when  fully  ripened,  some  mode  of  preparing  it  by  baking  or 
otherwise,  may  render  it  palatable. 

As  an  ornamental  tree,  the  Osage  orange  is  rather  too 
loose  in  the  disposition  of  its  wide-spreading  branches,  to  be 
called  beautiful  in  its  form.  But  the  bright  glossy  hue  of  its 
foliage,  and  especially  the  unique  appearance  of  a  good 
sized  tree  when  covered  with  the  large  orange-like  fruit,  ren- 
der it  one  of  the  most  interesting  of  our  native  trees  ;  while 
it  has  the  same  charm  of  rarity  as  an  exotic,  since  it  was  in- 
troduced from  the  far  west,  and  is  yet  but  little  planted  in 
the  United  States.  On  a  small  lawn,  where  but  few  trees 
are  needed,  and  where  it  is  desirable  that  the  species  em- 
ployed, should  all  be  as  distinct  as  possible,  to  give  the  whole 
as  much  variety  as  can  be  obtained  in  a  limited  space,  such 
trees  should  be  selected  as  will  not  only  be  ornamental,  but 
combine  some  other  charm,  association,  or  interest.  Among 
such  trees,  we  would  by  all  means  give  the  Osage  orange  a 
foremost  place.  It  has  the  additional  recommendation  of 
being  a  fine  shade  tree,  and  of  producing  an  excellent  and 
durable  wood. 

The  stout  growth  and  strong  thorns  of  this  tree,  have  been 
thought  indicative  of  its  usefulness  for  the  making  of  hedges ; 
a  method  of  fencing,  which  sooner  or  later  must  be  adopted  in 
many  parts  of  this  country :  and  from  the  experiments  which 
we  have  seen  made  with  plants  of  the  Osage  orange,  we 
think  it  likely  to  answer  a  very  valuable  purpose  ;  especially 
in  the  middle  and  southern  states.  The  Messrs,  Landreths 
of  Philadelphia,  have  lately  offered  many  thousands  of  them 
to  the  public,  at  a  low  rate,  and  we  hope  to  see  the  matter 
fairly  tested  in  various  parts  of  the  Union. 

A  rich  deep  loam  is  the  soil  best  adapted  to  the  growth  of 
this  tree ;   and  as  it  is  rather  tender  when  young,  (though 


188 


LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 


quite  hardy  when  it  attains  considerable  size,)  it  should,  as 
far  as  possible,  be  planted  in  a  rather  sheltered  situation.  A 
dry  soil  is  preferable,  if  it  must  be  placed  in  a  cold  aspect,  as 
all  plants  not  perfectly  hardy  are  much  injured  by  the  late 
growth,  caused  by  an  excess  of  moisture  and  consequent 
immature  state  of  the  wood,  which  is  unable  to  resist  the 
effects  of  a  severe  winter. 


The  Mulberry  Tree.     Morus. 

Nat.  Ord.    Urticacese.  Lin.  Syst.    Moncecia,  Tetrandria. 

The  three  principal  species  of  the  Mulberry,  are  the  common 
Red  American,  the  European  Black,  and  the  White  mul- 
berries. None  of  them  are  truly  handsome  in  scenery  ;  and 
the  two  latter  are  generally  low  spreading  trees,  valued  en- 
tirely for  the  excellency  of  the  fruit,  or  the  suitableness  of 
the  foliage  for  feeding  silk  worms.  Our  common  mulberry, 
however,  in  free,  open  situations,  forms  a  large  wide-spreading, 
horizontally  branched,  and  not  inelegant  tree :  the  rough, 
heart-shaped  leaves  with  which  it  is  thickly  clothed,  afford 
a  deep  shade  ;  and  it  groups  well  with  the  lime,  the  catalpa, 
and  many  other  round-headed  trees.  We  consider  it,  there- 
fore, duly  entitled  to  a  place  in  all  extensive  plantations  ; 
while  the  pleasant  flavour  of  its  slightly  acid,  dark  red  fruit, 
will  recommend  it  to  those  who  wish  to  add  to  the  delicacies 
of  the  dessert.  The  timber  of  our  wild  mulberry  tree  is  of 
the  very  first  quality  ;  when  fully  seasoned,  it  takes  a  dull 
lemon-coloured  hue,  and  is  scarcely  less  durable  than  the 
locust  or  Live  oak.     Like  those  trees,  it  is  much  valued  by 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  189 

ship-builders  ;  and  at  Philadelphia  and  Baltimore  it  com- 
mands a  high  price,  for  the  frame- work,  knees,  floor-timbers, 
and  trunnels  of  vessels.  The  Red  mulberry  is  much  slower 
in  its  growth  than  the  locust ;  but  so  far  as  we  are  aware, 
it  is  not  liable  to  the  attacks  of  any  insect  destructive  to  its 
timber  ;  and  it  would  probably  be  foimd  profitable  to  culti- 
vate it  as  a  timber-tree.  The  locust,  it  will  be  remembered, 
grows  thriftily  only  on  peculiar  soils,  loose,  dry,  and  mellow  : 
the  Red  mulberry  prefers  deep,  moist,  and  rich  situations. 
No  extensive  experiments,  so  far  as  we  can  learn,  have  been 
made  in  its  culture ;  but  we  would  recommend  it  to  the 
particular  attention  of  those  who  have  facilities  for  planta- 
tions of  this  kind. 

The  Black  mulberry  of  Europe,  {Morus  nigra,)  is  a  low, 
slow-growing  tree,  With  rough  leaves,  somewhat  resembling 
those  of  our  Red  mulberry,  but  more  coarsely  serrated,  and 
often  found  divided  into  four  or  five  lobes  ;  while  the  leaves, 
which  are  not  heart-shaped  on  our  native  species,  are  gene- 
rally three-lobed.  The  European  mulberry  bears  a  fruit  four 
or  five  times  as  large  as  the  American,  full  of  rich,  sweet 
juice.  It  has  long  been  a  favourite  in  England,  and  is  one 
of  the  most  healthy  and  delicious  fruits  of  the  season. 
Glover  says : 

"  There  tbe  flushing  peach, 


The  apple,  citron,  almond,  pear,  and  date, 
Pomegranates,  purple  mulberry,  and  fig, 
From  interlacing  branches  mix  their  hues 
And  scents,  the  passengers'  delight." 

Leonid.  6.  II. 

We  regret  that  so  excellent  a  fruit  should  be  so  little  cul- 
tivated here.     It   succeeds   extremely  well   in   the  middle 


190  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

States ;  and  as  it  ripens  at  the  very  period  in  midsummer 
when  fruits  are  scarcest,  there  can  be  no  more  welcome  ad- 
dition to  our  pomonal  treasures,  than  its  deep  purple  and 
luscious  berries.  According  to  Loudon,  it  is  a  tree  of  great 
durability  ;  in  proof  of  which  he  quotes  a  specimen  at  Sion 
House,  300  years  old,  which  is  supposed  to  have  been  planted 
in  the  16th  century,  by  the  botanist  Turner. 

The  White  mulberry,  {M.  alba,)  is  the  species  upon  the 
leaves  of  which  the  silk  worms  are  fed.  The  fruit  is  insipid 
and  tasteless,  and  the  tree  is  but  little  cultivated  to  embellish 
ornamental  plantations,  though  one  of  the  most  useful  in  the 
world,  when  its  importance  in  the  production  of  silk  is  taken 
into  account.  There  are  a  great  number  of  varieties  of  this 
species  to  be  found  in  the  different  nurseries  and  silk  planta- 
tions ;  among  them  the  Chinese  mulberry,  (M.  multicaulis,) 
grows  rapidly,  but  scarcely  forms  more  than  a  large  shrub,  at 
the  north  ;  and  its  very  large,  tender,  and  soft  green  foliage  is 
interesting  in  a  large  collection.  The  fruit  is  we  believe  of 
no  importance  ;  but  it  is  the  most  valuable  of  all  mulberries 
as  food  for  the  silk  worm,  while  its  growth  is  the  most 
vigorous,  and  its  leaves  more  easily  gathered  than  those  of 
any  other  tree  of  the  genus. 


The  Paper  Mulberry  Tree.     Broussonetia. 

Nat.  Ord.    Urticaceae.  Lin.  Syst.     DicEcia,  Tetrandria. 

The  Paper  mulberry  is  an  exotic  tree  of  a  low  growth, 
rarely  exceeding  twenty-five  or  thirty  feet,  indigenous  to 
Japan  and  the  South  Sea  Islands,  but  very  common  in  our 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  191 

gardens.  It  is  remarkable  for  the  great  variety  of  forms  ex- 
h  ibited  in  its  foliage  ;  as  upon  young  trees  it  is  almost  im- 
possible to  find  two  exactly  alike,  though  the  prevailing  out- 
lines are  either  heart-shaped,  or  more  or  less  deeply  cut  or 
lobed.  These  leaves  are  considered  valueless  for  feeding  the 
silk  worm ;  but  in  the  South  Seas,  the  bark  is  woven  into 
dresses  worn  by  the  females ;  and  in  China  and  Japan,  ex- 
tensive use  is  made  of  it  in  the  manufacture  of  a  paper,  of  the 
softest  and  most  beautiful  texture.  This  is  fabricated  from 
the  inner  bark  of  the  young  shoots,  which  is  first  boiled 
to  a  soft  pulp,  and  then  submitted  to  processes  greatly  simi- 
lar to  those  performed  in  our  paper-mills.  This  tree  blos- 
soms in  spring,  and  ripens  its  fruit  in  the  month  of  August. 
The  latter  is  dark  scarlet,  and  quite  singular  and  ornamental, 
though  of  no  value.  The  genus  is  dioecious  ;  and  the  rea- 
son why  so  few  fruit-bearing  trees  are  seen  in  the  United 
States,  is  because  we  generally  cultivate  only  one  of  the  sexes, 
the  female.  M.  Parmentier,  however,  who  introduced  the 
male  plant  from  Europe,  disseminated  it  in  several  parts  of 
the  country ;  and  the  beauty  of  the  tree  has  thereby  been 
augmented  by  the  increased  interest  which  it  possesses, 
when  laden  with  its  long,  hairy  berries. 

The  value  of  the  Paper  mulberry,  in  ornamental  planta- 
tions, arises  from  its  exotic  look,  as  compared  with  other 
trees,  from  the  singular  diversity  'of  its  foliage,  the  beauty 
of  its  reddish  berries,  and  from  the  rapidity  of  its  growth. 
It  is  deficient  in  hardiness  for  a  colder  climate  than  that  of 
New- York  ;  but  farther  south  it  is  considerably  esteemed  as 
a  shade-tree,  for  lining  the  side-walks  in  cities.  In  winter, 
its  light  fawn  or  ash-coloured  bark,  mottled  with  patches  of 
a  darker  gray,  contrasts  agreeably  with  other  trees.  It  has 
little  picturesque  beauty,  and  should  never  be  planted  in 


192  LANDSCAPE  GARDENING. 

quantities,  but  only  in  scattered  specimens,  to  give  interest 
and  variety  to  a  v/alk  in  the  lawn  or  shrubbery. 


The  Sweet  Gum  Tree.     Liquidamhar. 
Nat.  Ord.    Platanaceae.         Lin.  Syst.  Monoecia,  Polyandria. 

According  to  Michaux,*  the  Sweet  gum  is  one  of  our  most 
extensively  diffused  trees.  On  the  seashore,  it  is  seen  as 
far  north  as  Portsmouth  ;  and  it  extends  as  far  south  as  the 
Gulf  of  Mexico,  and  the  Isthmus  of  Darien.  In  many  of  the 
southern  states,  it  is  one  of  the  commonest  trees  of  the  forest ; 
it  is  rarely  seen,  however,  along  the  banks  of  the  Hudson, 
(except  in  New- Jersey,)  or  other  large  streams  of  New- York. 
It  is  not  unlike  the  maple  in  general  appearance,  and  its 
palmate,  five-lobed  leaves  are  in  outline  much  like  the  Sugar 
maple,  though  darker  in  colour,  and  firmer  in  texture.  It 
may  also  be  easily  distinguished  from  that  tree,  by  the 
curious  appearance  of  its  secondary  branches,  which  have  a 
peculiar  roughness,  owing  to  the  bark  attaching  itself  in 
plates  edgewise  to  the  trunk,  instead  of  laterally,  as  in  the 
usual  maimer.  The  fruit  is  globular,  somewhat  resembling 
that  of  the  buttonwood,  but  much  rougher,  and  bristling 
with  points.  The  male  and  female  catkins  appear,  on 
difierent  branches  of  the  same  tree,  early  in  the  spring. 

This  tree  grows  in  great  perfection  in  the  forests  of  New 
Spain.  It  was  first  described  by  a  Spanish  naturalist.  Dr. 
Hernandez,  who  observed  that  a  fragrant  and  transparent 

*N.  A.  Sylva,1.315. 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  193 

gum  issued  from  its  trunk  in  that  country,  to  which,  from  its 
appearance,  he  gave  the  name  of  Uquid  amber ;  this  is  now 
the  common  name  of  the  tree  in  Europe ;  and  the  gum  is  at 
present  an  article  of  export  from  Mexico,  being  chiefly  val- 
ued in  medicine  as  a  styptic,  and  for  its  healing  and  bal- 
samic properties.  "  This  substance,  which  in  the  shops  is 
sometimes  called  the  white  balsam  of  Peru,  or  liquid  storax, 
is,  when  it  first  issues  from  the  tree,  perfectly  liquid  and 
clear,  white,  with  a  slight  tinge  of  yellow,  quite  balsamic ; 
and  having  a  most  agreeable  fragrance,  resembling  that  of 
ambergris  or  styrax.  It  is  stimulant  and  aromatic,  and  has 
long  been  used  in  France  as  a  perfume,  especially  for 
gloves."*  In  the  middle  states  a  fragrant  substance  some- 
times exudes  from  the  leaves,  and,  by  incision,  small  quan- 
tities of  the  gum  may  be  procured  from  the  trunk ;  but  a 
warmer  climate  appears  to  be  necessary  to  its  production  in 
considerable  quantities. 

We  hardly  know  a  more  beautiful  tree  than  the  Liquid- 
amber  in  every  stage  of  its  growth,  and  during  every  season 
of  the  year.  Its  outline  is  not  picturesque  or  graceful,  but 
simply  beautiful,  more  approaching  that  of  the  maple  than 
any  other :  it  is  therefore  a  highly  pleasing,  round-headed 
or  tapering  tree,  which  unites  and  harmonizes  well  with 
almost  any  others  in  composition  ;  but  the  chief  beauty 
lies  in  the  foliage.  During  the  whole  of  the  summer  months, 
it  preserves,  unsoiled  that  dark  glossy  freshness  which  is  so 
delightful  to  the  eye  ;  while  the  singular,  regularly  palmate 
form  of  the  leaves  readily  distinguishes  it  from  the  common 
trees  of  a  plantation.  But  in  autumn  it  assumes  its  gayest 
livery,  and  is  decked  in  colours  alrhost  too  bright  and  vivid 

*  Arboretum  Brit.  2051. 

25 


194  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

for  foliage  ;  forming  one  of  the  most  brilliant  objects  in 
American  scenery,  at  that  period  of  the  year.  The  prevail- 
ing tint  of  the  foliage  is  then  a  deep  purplish  red,  unlike 
any  symptom  of  decay,  and  quite  as  rich  as  is  commonly 
seen  in  the  darker  blossoms  of  a  Dutch  parterre.  This  is 
sometimes  varied  by  a  shade  deeper  or  lighter,  and  occasion- 
ally an  orange  tint  is  assumed.  When  planted  in  the  neigh- 
bourhood of  our  fine  maples,  ashes,  and  other  trees  remark- 
able for  their  autumnal  colouring,  the  effect,  in  a  warm,  dry 
autumn,'is  almost  magical.  Whoever  has  travelled  through 
what  are  called  the  pine  barrens  of  New- Jersey,  in  such  a 
season,  must  have  been  struck  with  the  gay  tints  of  the 
numberless  forest  trees,  which  line  the  roads  through  those 
sandy  plains,  and  with  the  conspicuous  beauty  of  the  Sweet 
gum,  or  Liquidamber. 

The  bark  of  this  tree,  when  full  grown,  or  nearly  so,  is 
exceedingly  rough  and  furrowed,  like  that  of  the  oak.  The 
wood  is  fine-grained,  and  takes  a  good  polish  in  cabinet- 
work ;  though  it  is  not  so  durable,  nor  so  much  esteemed  for 
such  purposes,  as  that  of  the  Black  walnut,  and  some  other 
native  trees.  The  average  height  of  full  grown  trees  is  about 
35  or  40  feet. 

Liquidambar  styracifiua  is  the  only  North  American 
species.  It  grows  most  rapidly  in  moist  or  even  wet  situa- 
tions, though  it  will  accommodate  itself  to  a  drier  soil. 


The  Walnut  Tree.     Juglans. 

Nat.  Ord.  Juglandaceee.  Lin.  Syst.  Monoecia,  Polyandria. 

The  three  trees  which  properly  come  under  this  head,  and 
belong  to  the  genus  Juglans,  are  the  Black  walnut,  the  Euro- 
pean walnut,  and  the  Butternut. 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  195 

The  Black  walnut  is  one  of  the  largest  trees  of  our  native 
forests.  In  good  soils  it  often  attains  a  stature  of  60  or  70 
feet,  and  a  diameter  of  three  or  four  feet  in  the  trunk,  with  a 
corresponding  amplitude  of  branches.  The  leaves,  about  a 
foot  or  eighteen  inches  in  length,  are  composed  of  six  or  eight 
pairs  of  opposite  leaflets,  terminated  by  an  odd  one.  They 
contain  a  very  strong  aromatic  odour,  which  is  emitted  plenti- 
fully when  they  are  bruised.  The  large  nut,  always  borne 
on  the  extremity  of  the  young  shoots,  is  round,  and  covered 
with  a  thick  husk ;  which,  instead  of  separating  into  pieces, 
and  falling  off"  like  those  of  the  hickory,  rots  away  and 
decays  gradually.  The  kernel  of  the  Black  walnut,  too 
well  known  to  need  any  description  here,  is  highly  esteemed, 
and  is  even  considered  by  some  persons  to  possess  a  finer 
flavour  than  any  other  walnut. 

The  timber  of  this  tree  is  very  valuable  :  when  well  sea- 
soned it  is  as  durable  as  the  White  oak,  and  is  less  liable  to 
the  attacks  of  sea-worms,  etc.,  than  almost  any  other  ;  it  is 
therefore  highly  esteemed  in  naval  architecture  for  certain 
purposes.  But  its  great  value  is  in  cabinet-work.  Its 
colour,  when  exposed  to  the  air,  is  a  fine,  rich,  dark  brown, 
beautifully  veined  in  certain  parts ;  and  as  it  takes  a  bril- 
liant polish,  it  is  coming  into  general  use,  in  the  United 
States,  for  furniture,  as  well  as  for  the  interior  finishing  of 
houses. 

The  Black  walnut  has  strong  claims  upon  the  Landscape 
Gardener,  as  it  is  one  of  the  grandest  and  most  massive  trees 
which  he  can  employ.  When  full  grown,  it  is  scarcely  in- 
ferior in  the  boldness  of  its  ramification,  or  the  amplitude  of 
its  head,  to  the  oak  or  the  chestnut ;  and  what  it  lacks  in 
spirited  outline  when  compared  with  those  trees,  is  fully  com- 
pensated, in  our  estimation,  by  its  superb  and  heavy  masses 


196  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

of  foliage,  which  catch  and  throw  off  the  broad  Ughts  and 
shadows  in  the  finest  manner.  When  the  Black  walnut 
stands  alone  on  a  deep  fertile  soil,  it  becomes  a  truly  majes- 
tic tree  ;  and  its  lower  branches  often  sweep  the  ground  in  a 
graceful  curve,  which  gives  additional  beauty  to  its  whole 
expression.  It  is  admirably  adapted  to  extensive  lawns, 
parks,  or  plantations,  where  there  is  no  want  of  room  for  the 
attainment  of  its  full  size  and  fair  proportions.  Its  rapid 
growth  and  umbrageous  foliage  also  recommend  it  for  wide 
public  streets  and  avenues. 

The  European  walnut  {J.  regia,)  or  as  it  is  generally 
termed  here,  the  Madeira  nut,  is  one  of  the  most  common 
cultivated  trees  of  Europe,  where  it  was  introduced  originally 
from  Persia.  It  differs  from  our  Black  walnut,  (which,  how- 
ever, it  much  resembles,)  in  the  smooth,  gray  bark  of  the 
stem,  the  leaves  composed  of  three  or  four  pair  of  leaflets,  and 
in  the  very  thin-shelled  fruit,  which,  though  not  exceed- 
ing the  Black  walnut  in  size,  yet  contains  a  much  larger 
kernel,  which  is  generally  considered  more  delicate  in  fla- 
vour. In  the  interior  of  France,  orchards  of  the  walnut  are 
planted,  and  a  considerable  commerce  is  carried  on  in  its 
products  consisting  chiefly  of  the  fruit,  of  which  large  quan- 
tities are  consumed  in  all  parts  of  Europe.  The  wood  is 
greatly  used  in  the  manufacture  of  gun-stocks,  and  in 
cabinet-making ;  (though  it  is  much  inferior  to  the  American 
walnut  wood  for  this  purpose ;)  and  the  oil  extracted  from 
the  kernel,  is  in  high  estimation  for  mixing  with  delicate 
colours  used  in  painting,  and  other  purposes. 

The  European  walnut  is  a  noble  tree  in  size,  and  thickly 
clad  in  foliage.  It  is  much  esteemed  as  a  shade-tree  by  the 
Dutch ;  and  Evelyn,  who  is  an  enthusiastic  admirer  of  its 
beauties,  mentions  their  fondness  for  this  tree  as  in  the  high- 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  197 

est  degree  praiseworthy.  "  The  Bergstras,  [Bergstrasse] 
which  extends  from  Heidelberg  to  Darmstadt,  is  all  planted 
with  Avalnuts ;  for  as  by  an  ancient  law,  the  Borderers  were 
obliged  to  nurse  up  and  take  care  of  them,  and  that  chiefly 
for  their  ornament  and  shade,  so  as  a  man  may  ride  for 
many  miles  about  that  country,  under  a  continual  arbour 
or  close  walk, — the  traveller  both  refreshed  with  the  fruit 
and  shade.  How  much  such  public  plantations  improve  the 
glory  and  wealth  of  a  nation !  In  several  places  betwixt 
Hanau  and  Frankfort  in  Germany,  no  young  farmer  is  per- 
mitted to  marry  a  wife  till  he  bring  proof  that  he  hath  planted, 
and  is  the  father  of  a  stated  number  of  walnut  trees."* 

The  nuts  are  imported  into  this  country  in  great  quan- 
tities ;  and  as  they  are  chiefly  brought  from  Spain  and 
the  Madeiras,  they  are  here  almost  entirely  known  by  the 
name  of  the  Madeira  nut.  The  tree  is  but  little  culti- 
vated among  us,  though  highly  deserving  more  extensive  fa- 
vour, both  on  account  of  its  value  and  beauty.  It  grows 
well  in  the  climate  of  the  middle  states,  and  bears  freely ;  a 
specimen  eighteen  or  twenty  years  old,  in  the  garden  of  the 
author,  has  reached  thirty-five  feet  in  height,  and  bears  two 
or  three  bushels  of  fine  fruit  annually ;  from  which  we  have 
already  propagated  several  hundred  individuals.  It  is  not 
perfectly  hardy  north  of  this. 

As  an  ornamental  tree,  Gilpin  remarks,  that  the  warm  rus- 
set hue  of  its  young  foliage  makes  a  pleasing  variety  among 
the  vivid  green  of  other  trees,  about  the  end  of  May ;  and 
the  same  variety  is  maintained  in  summer,  by  the  contrast  of 
its  yellowish  hue,  when  mixed  in  any  quantity  with  trees  of 
a  darker  tint.     It  stands  best  alone,  as  the  early  loss  of  its 

jn         *  Hunter's  Evelyn,  p.  168. 


198  LANliSCAPE    GARDENING. 

foliage  is  then  of  less  consequence,  and  its  ramijfication  is 
generally  beautiful. 

The  Butternut,  (/.  cathartica,)  belongs  to  this  section,  and 
is  chiefly  esteemed  for  its  fruit ;  which  abounds  in  oil,  and  is 
very  rich  and  sweet.  The  foliage  somewhat  resembles  that 
of  the  Black  walnut,  though  the  leaflets  are  smaller  and  nar- 
rower. The  form  of  the  nut,  however,  is  strikingly  different, 
being  oblong,  oval,  and  narrowed  to  a  point  at  the  extremity. 
Unlike  the  walnut,  the  husk  is  covered  with  a  sticky  gum, 
and  the  surface  of  the  nut  is  much  rougher  than  any  other  of 
the  walnut  genus.  The  bark  of  the  butternut  is  gray,  and 
the  tops  of  old  trees  generally  have  a  flattened  appearance. 
It  is  frequently  an  uncouth,  ill-shapen,  and  ugly  tree  in  form, 
though  occasionally,  also,  quite  striking  and  picturesque. 
And  it  is  well  worthy  of  a  place  for  the  excellence  of  its 
fruit,* 


The  Hickory  Tree.     Carya. 

Nat.  Ord.  Juglandaceee.        Lin.  Syst.    MoncEcia,  Polyandria. 

The  hickories  are  fine  and  lofty  North  American  trees, 
highly  valuable  for  their  wood,  and  the  excellent  fruit  borne 
by  some  of  the  species.  The  timber  is  extremely  elastic,  and 
very  heavy,  possessing  great  strength  and  tenacity.     It  is  not 

*  Loudon  errs  greatly  in  his  Arboretum,  in  supposing  the  butternut  to  be  identi- 
cal with  the  Black  walnut :  no  trees  in  the  whole  American  forest  are  more 
easily  distinguished  at  first  sight.  He  also  states  the  fruit  to  be  rancid  and  of 
little  value ;  but  no  American  lad  of  a  dozen  years  will  accord  with  him  in  this 
opinion.  t* 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  199 

much  employed  in  architecture,  as  it  is  peculiarly  liable  to 
the  attacks  of  worms,  and  decays  quickly  when  exposed  to 
moisture.  But  it  is  very  extensively  employed  for  all  pur- 
poses requiring  great  elasticity  and  strength ;  as  for  axletrees, 
screws,  the  wooden  rings  used  upon  the  rigging  of  vessels, 
whip-handles,  and  axe-handles ;  and  an  immense  quantity 
of  the  young  poles  are  employed  in  the  manufacture  of  hoops, 
for  which  they  are  admirably  adapted. 

For  fuel,  no  American  wood  is  equal  to  this  in  the  brilliancy 
with  which  it  burns,  or  in  the  duration,  or  amount  of  heat 
given  out  by  it :  it  therefore  commands  the  highest  price  in 
market  for  that  purpose. 

The  hickories  are  nearly  allied  to  the  walnuts  ;  the  chief 
botanical  distmction  consisting  in  the  covering  to  the  nut, 
or  husk ;  which  in  the  hickories  separates  into  four  valves, 
or  pieces,  when  ripe,  instead  of  adhering  in  a  homogeneous 
coat,  as  upon  the  Black  walnut  and  butternut.  In  size 
and  appearance,  the  hickories  rank  with  the  first  class  of 
forest  trees  ;  most  of  them  growing  vigorously  to  the  height 
of  60  or  80  feet,  with  fine  straight  trmiks,  well  balanced  and 
ample  heads,  and  handsome,  lively,  pinnated  foliage.  When 
confined  among  other  trees  in  the  forest,  they  shoot  up  50  or 
60  feet  without  branches  ;  but  when  standing  singly,  they 
expand  into  a  fine  head  near  the  ground,  and  produce  a 
noble,  lofty  pyramid  of  foliage,  rather  rounded  at  the  top. 
They  have  all  the  qualities  which  are  necessary  to  consti- 
tute fine,  graceful,  park  trees,  and  are  justly  entitled  to  a 
place  in  every  considerable  plantation. 

The  most  ornamental  species  are  the  Shellbark  hickory, 
the  Pignut  and  the  Pecan-nut.  The  former  and  the  latter 
produce  delicious  nuts,,  and  are  highly  worthy  of  cultivation 
for  their  fruit  alone  ;    while  all  of  them  assume  very  hand- 


200 


LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 


some  shapes  during  every  stage  of  their  growth,  and  ulti- 
mately become  noble  trees.  Varieties  of  the  Shellbark 
hickory  are  sometimes  seen  producing  nuts  of  twice  or  thrice 
the  ordinary  size ;  and  we  have  not  the  least  doubt  that  the 
fruit  might  be  so  improved  m  size  and  delicacy  of  flavour, 
by  careful  cultivation,  as  greatly  to  surpass  the  European 
walnut,  for  the  table.  This  result  will  probably  be  attained 
by  planting  the  nuts  of  the  finest  varieties  found'in  our  woods, 
in  rich  moist  soil,  kept  in  high  cultivation ;  as  all  improved 
varieties  of  fruit  have  been  produced  in  this  way,  and  not, 
as  many  suppose,  by  cultivating  the  original  species.  These 
remarks  also  apply  to  the  Pecan-nut ;  a  western  sort,  which 
thrives  well  in  the  middle  states,  and  which  produces  a 
nut  more  delicate  in  flavour  than  any  other  of  this  con- 
tinent. 

These  trees  form  strong  tap-roots,  and  are  therefore  some- 
what difficult  to  transplant ;  but  they  are  easily  reared  from 
the  nut ;  and,  for  the  reason  stated  above,  this  method 
should  be  adopted  in  preference  to  any  other,  except  in 
particular  cases. 

The  principal  species  of  the  hickory  are  the  following : 

The  Shellbark  hickory,  (C  alha,)  so  called  on  account  of 
the  roughness  of  its  bark,  which  is  loosened  from  the  trunk 
in  long  scales  or  pieces,  bending  outwards  at  the  extremity, 
and  remaining  attached  by  the  middle  ;  this  takes  place,  how- 
ever, only  on  trees  of  some  size.  The  leaves  are  composed  of 
two  pair  of  leaflets,  with  an  odd  or  terminal  one.  The 
scales  which  cover  the  buds  of  the  Shellbark  in  winter, 
adhere  only  to  the  lower  half,  while  the  upper  half  of  the 
bud  is  left  uncovered,  by  which  this  sort  is  readily  dis- 
tinguished from  the  other  species.     The  hickory  nuts  of  our 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  201 

markets  are  the  product  of  this  tree  ;  they  are  much  esteemed 
in  every  part  of  the  Union,  and  are  exported  in  considerable 
quantities  to  Europe.  Among  many  of  the  descendants  of 
the  original  Dutch  settlers  of  New- York  and  New- Jersey, 
the  fruit  is  commonly  known  by  the  appellation  of  the 
Kisky-tom  nut* 

The  Pecan-nut,  {Paoainer  of  the  French,)  (C.  olivmfor- 
mis,)  is  found  only  in  the  western  states.  It  abounds  on 
the  Missouri,  Arkansas,  Wabash,  and  Illinois  Rivers  ;  and  a 
portion  of  the  Ohio  :  Michaux  states  that  there  is  a  swamp  of 
800  acres  on  the  right  bank  of  the  Ohio,  opposite  the  Cum- 
berland river,  entirely  covered  with  it.  It  is  a  handsome, 
stately  tree,  about  60  or  70  feet  in  height,  with  leaves  a  foot 
or  eighteen  inches  long,  composed  of  six  or  seven  pairs  of 
leaflets  much  narrower  than  those  of  our  hickories.  The 
nuts  are  contained  in  a  thin,  somewhat  four-sided  husk ;  they 
are  about  an  inch  or  an  inch  and  a  half  long,  smooth,  cylin- 
drical, and  thin-shelled.  The  kernel  is  not,  like  most  of  the 
hickories,  divided  by  partitions,  and  it  has  a  very  delicate  and 
agreeable  flavour.  They  form  an  object  of  petty  commerce 
between  Upper  and  Lower  Louisiana.  From  New-Orleans, 
they  are  exported  to  the  West  Indies,  and  to  the  ports  of  the 
United  States.t 

Besides  these  two  most  valuable  species,  our  forests  pro- 
duce the  Pignut  hickory,  (C  porcina,)  a  lofty  tree,  with  five 
to  seven  pairs  of  leaflets,  so  called  from  the  comparative 
worthlessness  of  its  fruit ;  which  is  very  thick-shelled,  and 
generally  is  left  on  the  ground  for  the  swine,  squirrels,  etc.,  to 

*  In  some  parts,  pleasant  social  parties  which  meet  at  stated  times  during  the 
winter  season,  are  called  Kisky-toms,  from  the  regular  appearance  of  these  nuts 
among  the  refreshments  of  the  evening. 

tN.  A.  Sylva,  1.  168. 

26 


202  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

devour.  It  is  easily  distinguished  in  winter  by  the  smaller 
size  of  its  brown  shoots,  and  its  small  oval  buds.  Its  wood  is 
considered  the  toughest  and  strongest  of  any  of  the  trees  o  f 
this  section.  The  thick  Shellbark  hickory,  (C.  laciniosa,) 
resembles  much  in  size  and  appearance  the  common  Shell- 
bark  ;  but  the  nuts  are  double  the  size,  the  shell  much  thicker 
and  yellowish,  while  that  of  the  latter  is  white.  It  is  but 
little  known  except  west  of  the  Alleghanies.  The  Mocker- 
nut  hickory,  (C  tomentosa,)  is  so  called  from  the  deceptive 
appearance  of  the  nuts,  which  are  generally  of  large  size,  but 
contain  only  a  very  small  kernel.  The  leaves  are  composed 
of  but  four  pairs  of  sessile  leaflets,  with  an  odd  one  at  the  end. 
The  trunk  of  the  old  trees  is  very  rugged,  and  the  wood  is 
one  of  the  best  for  fuel. 

The  Bitternut  hickory,  (C  amara,)  sometimes  called  the 
White  hickory,  grows  60  feet  high  in  New- Jersey.  The 
husk  which  covers  the  nut  of  this  species,  has  four  winged 
appendages  on  its  upper  half,  and  never  hardens  like  the 
other  sorts,  but  becomes  soft  and  decays.  The  shell  is  thin, 
but  the  kernel  is  so  bitter,  that  even  the  squirrels  refuse  to 
eat  it.  The  Water  Bitternut,  (C  aquatica,)  is  a  very  in- 
ferior sort,  growing  in  the  swamps  and  rice  fields  of  the 
southern  states.  The  leaflets  are  serrated,  and  resemble  in 
shape  the  leaves  of  the  peach  tree.  Both  the  fruit  and  tim- 
ber are  much  inferior  to  those  of  all  the  other  hickories. 


The  Mountain  Ash  Tree.     Pyrus* 
Nat.  Ord.    Rosacea.  Lin.  Syst.    Icosandria,  Di-Pentagynia. 

The  European  Mountain  ash  {Pyrus  aucuparia,)  is  an 

*  Sorbus  of  the  old  Botanists. 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  203 

elegant  tree  of  the  medium  size,  with  an  erect  stem,  smooth 
bark,  and  round  head.  The  leaves  are  pinnated,  four  or  five 
inches  in  length,  and  slightly  resemble  those  of  the  ash.  The 
snow-white  flowers  are  produced  in  large  flat  clusters,  in 
the  month  of  May,  which  are  thickly  scattered  over  the 
outer  surface  of  the  tree,  and  give  it  a  lively  appearance. 
These  are  succeeded  by  numerous  bunches  of  berries,  which 
in  autumn  turn  to  a  brilliant  scarlet,  and  are  then  highly 
ornamental.  For  the  sake  of  these  berries,  this  tree  is  a  great 
favourite  with  birds ;  and  in  Germany  it  is  called  the  Vogel 
Beerhaum  :  i.  e.  bird's  berry  tree,  and  is  much  used  by  bird 
catchers  to  bait  their  springs  with. 

Twenty-five  feet  is  about  the  average  height  of  the  Moun- 
tain ash  in  this  country.  Abroad,  it  grows  more  vigorously ; 
and  in  Scotland,  where  it  is  best  known  by  the  name  of  the 
Roan  or  Rowan  tree,  it  sometimes  reaches  the  altitude  of  35 
or  40  feet.  The  lower  classes  throughout  the  whole  of 
Britain,  for  a  long  time  attributed  to  its  branches  the  power 
of  being  a  sovereign  charm  against  witches  ;  and  Sir  Tho- 
mas Lauder  informs  us  that  this  superstition  is  still  in 
existi^ce  in  many  parts  of  the  Highlands,  as  well  as  in  Wales. 
It  is  probable  that  this  tree  was  a  great  favourite  with  the 
Druids  ;  for  it  is  often  seen  growing  near  their  ancient 
mystical  circles  of  stones.  The  dairy  maid,  in  many  parts 
of  England,  still  preserves  the  old  custom  of  driving  her 
cows  to  pasture  with  a  switch  of  the  roan  tree,  which  she 
believes  has  the  power  to  shield  them  from  all  evil  spells.* 
"  Evelyn  mentions  that  it  is  customary  in  Wales,  to  plant 
this  tree  in  'church-yards ;  and  Miss  Kent  in  her  Sylvan 
Sketches,  makes  the  following  remarks  : — "  In  former  times 
this  tree  was  supposed  to  be  possessed  of  the  property  of 

*  Lightfoot,  Flora  Scodca. 


204  LANDSCAPE  GARDENING. 

driving  away  witches  and  evil  spirits ;  and  this  property  is 
alluded  to  in  one  of  the  stanzas  of  a  very  ancient  song, 
called  the  Laidley  Worm  of  Spindletoii's  Heughs. 

'  Their  spells  were  vain ;  the  boys  retum'd 

To  the  queen  in  sorrowful  mood, 

Crying  that  "  witches  have  no  power 

Where  there  is  roan-tree  wood  ?' 

The  last  line  of  this  stanza  leads  to  the  true  reading  of  a 
stanza  in  Shakspeare's  tragedy  of  Macbeth.  The  sailor's 
wife,  on  the  witch's  requesting  some  chestnuts,  hastily 
answers,  '  A  rown-tree,  witch  !' — ^but  many  of  the  editions 
have  it,  'aroint  thee  witch!'  which  is  nonsense,  and  evi- 
dently a  corruption."* 

The  European  Mountain  ash  is  quite  a  favourite  with 
cultivators  here,  and  deservedly  so.  Its  foliage  is  extremely 
neat,  its  blossoms  pretty,  and  its  blazing  red  berries  in  autumn 
communicate  a  cheerfulness  to  the  season,  and  harmonize 
happily  with  the  gay  tints  of  our  native  forest  trees.  It  is 
remarkably  well  calculated  for  small  plantations  or  collec- 
tions, as  it  grows  in  almost  any  soil  or  situation,  takes  but 
little  room,  and  is  always  interestmg.  "  In  the  Scottish  High- 
lands, says  Gilpin,  "  on  some  rocky  momitain  covered  with 
dark  pines  and  waving  birch,  which  cast  a  solemn  gloom  on 
the  lake  below,  a  few  Mountain  ashes  joining  in  a  clump,  and 
mixing  with  them,  have  a  fine  effect.  In  summer,  the  light 
green  tint  of  their  foliage,  and  in  autumn  the  glowing  berries 
which  hang  clustering  upon  them,  contrast  beautifully  with 
the  deeper  green  of  the  pines:  and  if  they  are  happily 
blended,  and  not  in  too  large  a  proportion,  they  add  some 
of  the  most  picturesque  furnitiue  with  which  the  sides  of 

*  Arboretum  et  Fruticetum,  p.  918. 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  205 

those  rugged  mountains  are  invested."  We  have  seen  the 
Mountain  ash  here,  displaying  itself  in  great  beauty,  mingled 
with  a  group  of  hemlocks,  from  among  the  deep  green  foli- 
age of  which,  the  coral  berries  of  the  former  seemed  to  shoot 
out ;  their  colour  heightened  by  the  dark  back  ground  of 
evergreen  boughs. 

The  American  Mountain  ash,  {Pyrus  Americana)  is  a 
native  of  the  momitains  along  the  banks  of  the  Hudson,  and 
other  cold  and  elevated  situations  in  the  north  of  the  United 
States :  on  the  Catskill  we  have  seen  some  handsome  speci- 
mens near  the  Mountain  House ;  but  generally  it  does  not 
grow  in  so  comely  a  shape,  or  form  so  handsome  a  tree 
as  the  foreign  sort.  In  the  general  appearance  of  the  leaves 
and  blossoms,  however,  it  so  nearly  resembles  the  European, 
as  to  be  thought  merely  a  variety  by  some  botanists.  The 
chief  difference  between  them  appears  to  be  in  the  colour  of 
the  fruit,  which  on  our  native  tree,  is  copper  coloured  or 
dull  purplish  red.  It  may  probably  assume  a  handsome 
shape  when  cultivated. 

The  Sorb  or  Service  tree,  {Pyrus  Sorbus,)  is  an  interest- 
ing species  of  Pyrus,  a  native  of  Europe,  which  is  sometimes 
seen  in  our  gardens,  and  deserves  a  place  for  its  handsome 
foliage,  and  its  clusters  of  fruit ;  which  somewhat  resemble 
those  of  the  Mountain  ash,  and  are  often  eaten  when  in  a 
state  of  incipient  decay.  The  leaves  are  coarser  than  those 
of  the  Mountain  ash,  and  the  tree  is  larger,  often  attaining 
the  height  of  50  or  60  feet  in  its  native  soil. 

The  White  Beam,  {Pyrus  Aria,)  is  another  foreign  species, 
also  bearing  bunches  of  handsome  scarlet  berries,  and  clus- 
ters of  white  flowers.  The  leaves,  however,  are  not  pinna- 
ted, but  simply  serrated  on  the  margin.     It  grows  30  feet 


206  LANDSCAPE  GARDENING. 

high,  and  as  the  fohage  is  dark  green  on  the  upper  side,  and 
downy  white  beneath,  it  presents  an  effect  greatly  resembUng 
that  of  the  Silver  poplar,  in  a  slight  breeze.  Abroad,  the 
timber  is  considered  valuable ;  but  here  it  is  chiefly  planted 
to  produce  a  pleasing  variety  among  other  trees,  by  its 
peculiar  foliage,  and  scarlet,  autumnal  fruit. 

All  the  foregoing  trees  grow  naturally  in  the  highest,  most 
exposed,  and,  often,  almost  barren  situations.  When,  how- 
ever, a  rapid  growth  is  desired,  they  should  be  planted  in  a 
more  moist  and  genial  soil.  They  are  easily  propagated 
from  the  seed,  and  some  of  the  sorts  may  be  grafted  on  the 
pear  or  hawthorn.  The  seeds,  in  all  cases,  should  be  sown 
in  autumn. 


The  Ailantus  Tree.     Ailantus. 

Nat.  Ord.    Xanthoxylacese.         Lin.  Syst.    Polygamia,  Moncecia. 

Ailanto  is  the  name  of  this  tree  in  the  Moluccas,  and  is 
said  to  signify  Tree  of  Heaven ;  an  appellation  probably 
bestowed  on  account  of  the  rapidity  of  its  growth,  and  the 
great  height  which  it  reaches  in  the  East  Indies,  its  native 
country.  When  quite  young  it  is  not  unlike  a  sumac  in 
appearance  ;  but  the  extreme  rapidity  of  its  growth,  and  the 
great  size  of  its  pinnated  leaves,  four  or  five  feet  long,  soon 
distinguish  it  from  that  shrub.  During  the  first  half  dozen 
years  it  outstrips  almost  any  other  deciduous  tree  in  vigour 
of  growth,  and  we  have  measured  leading  stems  which  had 
grown  twelve  or  fifteen  feet  in  a  single  season.  In  four  or 
five  years,  therefore,  it  forms  quite  a  bulky  head,  but  after 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  207 

that  period  it  advances  more  slowly,  and  in  20  years  would 
probably  be  overtopped  by  the  poplar,  the  plane,  or  any  other 
fast  growing  tree.  There  are,  as  yet,  no  specimens  in  this 
country  more  than  70  feet  high ;  but  the  trunk  shoots  up 
in  a  fine  column,  and  the  head  is  massy  and  irregular  in 
outline.  In  this  country  it  is  planted  purely  for  ornament ; 
but  we  learn  that  in  Europe  its  wood  has  been  applied 
to  cabinet-work ;  for  which,  from  its  close  grain,  and  bright 
satin-like  lustre,  it  is  well  adapted,*  The  male  and  female 
flowers  are  borne  on  separate  trees,  and  both  sexes  are  now 
common,  especially  in  New- York,  The  male  forms  the 
finer  ornamental  tree,  the  female  being  rather  low,  and 
spreading  in  its  head. 

In  New- York  and  Philadelphia,  the  Ailantus  is  more  gene- 
rally known  by  the  name  of  the  Celestial  tree,  and  is  much 
planted  in  the  streets  and  public  squares.  For  such  situa- 
tions it  is  admirably  adapted,  as  it  will  insinuate  its  strong 
roots  into  the  most  meagre  and  barren  soil,  where  few  other 
trees  will  grow,  and  soon  produce  an  abundance  of  foliage 
and  fine  shade.  It  appears  also  to  be  perfectly  free  from 
insects;  and  the  leaves  instead  of  dropping  slowly,  and 
for  a  long  time,  fall  off"  almost  immediately  when  frost 
commences. 

The  Ailantus  is  well  adapted  to  produce  a  good  effect  on 
the  lawn,  either  singly  or  grouped;  as  its  fine  long  foliage 
catches  the  light  well,  and  contrasts  strikingly  with  that  of 
the  round-leaved  trees.  It  has  a  troublesome  habit  of  pro- 
ducing suckers,  however,  which  must  exclude  it  from  every 
place  but  a  heavy  sward,  where  the  surface  of  the  ground  is 
never  stirred  by  cultivation. 

The  branches  of  this  tree  are  entirely  destitute  of  the  small 

*  Annales  de  la  Societie  d' Horticulture. 


208  LANDSCAPE  GARDENING. 

spray  so  common  on  most  forest  trees,  and  have  a  singularly 
naked  look  in  winter,  well  calculated  to  fix  the  attention  of 
the  spectator  at  that  dreary  season. 

The  largest  Ailantus  trees  in  America  are  growing  in 
Rhode-Island,  where  it  was  introduced  from  China,  under 
the  name  of  the  Tillou  tree.  It  has  since  been  rapidly  pro- 
pagated by  suckers  and  is  now  one  of  the  commonest  orna- 
mental trees  sold  in  the  nurseries.  The  finest  trees,  how- 
ever, are  those  raised  from  seed. 


The  Kentucky  Coffee  Tree.     Gymnocladus. 
Nat.  Ord.    Leguminosae.  Lin.  Syst.    Dioecia,  Decandria. 

This  unique  tree  is  found  in  the  western  part  of  the  State 
of  New- York,  and  as  far  north  as  Montreal,  in  Canada.  But 
it  is  seen  in  the  greatest  perfection,  in  the  fertile  bottoms  of 
Kentucky  and  Tennesse.  Sixty  feet  is  the  usual  height  of 
the  Coflee  tree  in  those  soils ;  and  judging  from  specimens 
growing  under  our  inspection,  it  will  scarcely  fall  short  of 
that  altitude,  in  well  cultivated  situations,  any  where  in  the 
middle  states. 

When  in  full  foliage,  this  is  a  very  beautiful  tree.  The 
whole  leaf,  doubly  compomid  and  composed  of  a  great  num- 
ber of  bluish-green  leaflets,  is  generally  three  feet  long,  and 
of  two-thirds  that  width  on  thrifty  trees ;  and  the  whole 
foliage  hangs  in  a  well-rounded  mass,  that  would  look  almost 
too  heavy,  were  it  not  lightened  in  efiect  by  the  loose,  tufted 
appearance  of  each  individual  leaf  The  flowers,  which  are 
white,  are  borne  in  loose  spikes,  in  the  beginning  of  summer ; 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  209 

and  are  succeeded  by  ample  brown  pods,  flat  and  somewhat 
curved,  which  contain  six  or  seven  large  gray  seeds,  imbedded 
in  a  sweet  pulpy  substance.  As  the  genus  is  dioecious,  it  is 
necessary  that  both  sexes  of  this  tree  should  be  growing  near 
each  other,  in  order  to  produce  seed. 

When  Kentucky  was  first  settled  by  the  adventurous  pio- 
neers from  the  Atlantic  States,  who  commenced  their  career 
in  the  primeval  wilderness,  almost  without  the  necessaries 
of  life,  except  as  produced  by  them  from  the  fertile  soil ; 
they  fancied  that  they  had  discovered  a  substitute  for  coffee 
in  the  seeds  of  this  tree,  and  accordingly  the  name  of  Coffee 
tree  was  bestowed  upon  it :  but  when  a  communication 
was  established  with  the  seaports,  they  gladly  relinquished 
their  Kentucky  beverage,  for  the  more  grateful  flavour  of 
the  Indian  plant ;  and  no  use  is  at  present  made  of  it  in 
that  maimer.  It  has,  however,  a  fine,  compact  wood,  highly 
useful  in  building  or  cabinet-work. 

The  Kentucky  Cofiee  tree  is  well  entitled  to  a  place  in 
every  collection.  In  summer,  its  charming  foliage  and  agree- 
able flowers  render  it  a  highly  beautiful  lawn  tree  ;  and  in 
winter,  it  is  certainly  one  of  the  most  novel  trees,  in  appear- 
ance, in  our  whole  native  sylva.  Like  the  Ailantus,  it  is 
entirely  destitute  of  small  spray,  but  it  also  adds  to  this  the 
additional  singularity  of  thick,  blmit,  terminal  branches, 
without  any  perceptible  buds.  Altogether  it  more  resembles 
a  dry,  dead,  and  withered  combination  of  sticks,  than  a 
living  and  thrifty  tree.  Although  this  would  be  highly 
monotonous  and  displeasing,  were  it  the  common  appearance 
of  our  deciduous  trees  in  winter  ;  yet,  as  it  is  not  so,  but  a 
rare  and  very  unique  exception  to  the  usual  beautiful  diver- 
sity of  spray  and  ramification,  it  is  highly  interesting  to 

27 


210 


LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 


place  such  a  tree'as  the  present  in  the  neighbourhood  of  other 
full-sprayed  species,  where  the  curiosity  which  it  excites 
will  add  greatly  to  its  value  as  an  interesting  object  at  that 
period  of  the  year.* 


[Fig.  35.   The  Kentucky  Coffee  Tree.] 


The  seeds  vegetate  freely,  and  the  tree  is  usually  propa- 
gated in  that  manner.  It  prefers  a  rich,  strong  soil,  like  most 
trees  of  the  western  states. 


*  There  are  some  very  fine  specimens  upon  the  lawn  at  Dr  Hosack's  seat,  Hyde 
Park,  N.  Y.  which  have  fruited  for  a  number  of  years.    See  Fig.  35. 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  211 

The  Willow  Tree.     Salix. 
Nat.  Ord.  Salicacese.  Lin.  Syst.    Dioecia,  Diandria. 

A  very  large  genus,  comprising  plants  of  almost  every 
stature,  from  minute  shrubs  of  three  or  four  inches  in  height, 
to  lofty  and  wide-spreading  trees  of  fifty  or  sixty  feet.t 
They  are  generally  remarkable  for  their  narrow  leaves,  and 
slender,  round,  and  flexible  branches. 

There  are  few  of  these  willows  which  are  adapted  to  add 
to  the  beauty  of  artificial  scenery ;  but  among  them  are 
three  or  four  trees,  which,  from  their  peculiar  character,  de- 
serve especial  notice.  These  are  the  Weeping,  or  Babylonian 
willow,  {Salix  Bahylonica  f)  the  White,  or  Huntington  wil- 
low, {S.  alba;)  the  Golden  willow,  {S.  vitellina  ;)  the  Russell 
willow,  {S.  Russelliana  ;)  and  the  profuse  Flowering  wil- 
low, {S.  caprea.) 

The  above  are  all  foreign  sorts,  which,  however,  (except 
the  last,)  have  long  ago  been  introduced,  and  are  now  quite 
common  in  the  United  States.  All  of  them,  except  the  first, 
have  an  upright  or  wavy,  spreading  growth,  and  form  lofty 
trees,  considerably  valued  abroad  for  their  timber.  The 
White  willow,  and  the  Russell  willow  are  very  rapid  in  their 
growth,  and  have  a  pleasing  light  green  foliage.  The  Golden 
willow  is  remarkable  for  its  bright  yellow  bark,  which  ren- 
ders it  quite  ornamental,  even  in  winter.  It  is  a  middle  sized 
tree,  and  is  often  seen  growing  along  the  road-sides  in  the 
eastern  and  middle  states.  tSalix  caprea  is  deserving  a  place 
in  collections,  for  the  beauty  of  its  abundant  blossoms,  at  an 

t  Dr.  Barratt  of  Middletown,  Conn.,  who  has  paid  great  attention  to  the  willow, 
enumerates  100  species,  as  growing  in  North  America,  either  indigenous  or  in- 
troduced. 


212  LANDSCAPE  GARDENING. 

early  and  cheerless  period  in  the  spring.  There  are  a  num- 
ber of  other  species  found  growing  in  different  parts  of  the 
Union,  which  may  perhaps  possess  sufficient  interest  to  re- 
commend themselves  to  the  planter. 

The  chief,  and  indeed  almost  the  only  value  of  these  wil- 
lows in  Landscape  Gardening,  is  to  embellish  low  grounds, 
streams  of  water,  or  margins  of  lakes.  When  mingled  with 
other  trees,  they  often  harmonize  so  badly  from  their  ex- 
tremely different  habits,  foliage,  and  colour,  that  unless 
very  sparingly  introduced,  they  cannot  fail  to  have  a  bad 
effect.  On  the  banks  of  streams,  however,  they  are  ex- 
tremely appropriate,  hanging  their  slender  branches  over 
the  liquid  element,  and  drawing  genial  nourishment  from 
the  moistened  soil. 

"  Le  saule  incline  surla  rive  penchante, 
Balan^ant  mollement  sa  tete  blanchissante." 

In  the  middle  distance  of  a  scene,  also,  where  a  stream 
winds  partially  hidden,  or  which  might  otherwise  wholly 
escape  the  eye,  these  trees,  if  planted  along  its  course,  con- 
nected as  they  are,  in  our  minds,  with  watery  soils,  will 
not  fail  to  direct  the  attention,  and  convey  forcibly  the 
impression  of  a  brook  or  river,  winding  its  way  beneath 
their  shade. 

The  Weeping  willow,  however,  is  at  once  one  of  the 
most  elegant,  graceful,  and  interesting  trees  ;  elegant  in  its 
light  and  delicate  waving  foliage  ;  and  graceful  in  the  soft 
flowing  lines  formed  by  its  drooping  branches  ;  and  in- 
teresting by  the  melancholy,  poetical,  and  scriptural  asso- 
ciations comiected  with  it.  Every  one  will  call  to  mind 
the  captivity  of  the  children  of  Israel,  as  connected  with 
this  tree :    "  By  the  waters  of  Babylon  we  sat  down  and 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  213 

wept,  O  Zion  !  As  for  our  harps,  we  hanged  them  upon 
the  willow  trees  :"  Psalm  cxxxvii.  And  the  gentle  sigh 
of  the  faintest  breeze,  through  its  light  foliage,  still  recalls 
to  the  niind  the  plaintive  murmur  of  those  abandoned 
harps,  which  one  may  fancy  to  have  bequeathed  their  last 
tones  of  music  to  its  pensile  branches. 

Since  that  period,  the  willow  appears  to  have  been,  more 
or  less,  consecrated  to  a  tender  sentiment  of  grief, 

"  Trailing  low  its  boughs,  to  hide 
The  gleaming  marble." 

To  these  offices  of  pensive  melancholy,  it  appears  to  be 
dedicated  in  almost  all  countries.  The  Chinese  and  other 
Asiatic  nations,  and  the  Turks,  as  well  as  the  enlightened 
Europeans,  universally  plant  it  in  their  cemeteries  and  last 
places  of  repose.  A  French  writer  thus  speaks  of  it,  in 
contrasting  its  merits  for  those  purposes,  with  the  cypress. 
"  The  cypress  was  long  considered  as  the  appropriate  orna- 
ment of  the  cemetry  ;  but  its  gloomy  shade  among  the 
tombs,  and  its  thick,  heavy  foliage,  of  the  darkest  green, 
inspire  only  depressing  thoughts,  and  present  the  image  of 
death  under  its  most  appalling  form.  The  Weeping  wil- 
low, on  the  contrary,  rather  conveys  a  picture  of  grief  for 
the  loss  of  the  departed,  than  of  the  darkness  of  the  grave. 
Its  light  and  elegant  foliage,  flows  like  the  dishevelled  hair 
and  graceful  drapery  of  a  sculptured  mourner  over  a  sepul- 
chral urn ;  and  conveys  those  soothing,  though  softly 
melancholy  reflections,  which  have  made  one  of  our  poets 
to  exclaim,  '  There  is  a  pleasure  even  in  grief.'  "*  On  this 
passage,  Loudon  remarks :    "  Notwithstanding    the    prefe- 

*  Poiteau,  Noveau  du  Hamel. 


214  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

rence  thus  given  the  willow,  the  shape  of  the  cypress, 
conveying  to  a  fanciful  mind  the  idea  of  a  flame  pointing 
upwards,  has  been  supposed  to  afford  an  emblem  of  the 
hope  of  immortality  ;  it  is  still  planted  in  many  church- 
yards on  the  continent,  and  alluded  to  in  the  epitaphs, 
under  this  light."* 

Abroad,  the  willow  was  in  ancient  days  worn  by  young 
girls,  as  a  symbol  of  grief  for  one  of  their  own  sex  who 
died  yomig : 

"  Lay  a  garland  on  my  hearse, 
Of  the  dismal  yew ; 
Maidens,  willow  branches  wear,  , 

Say  I  died  true." 

The  poets  often  allude  to  the  willow  : 

"  A  willow  garland  thou  didst  send 

Perfumed  last  day  to  me  ; 
Which  did  but  only  this  portend, 

I  was  forsook  by  thee. 
Since  so  it  is,  I'll  tell  thee  what, 

To-morrow  thou  shalt  see 
Me  wear  the  willow,  after  that 

To  die  upon  the  tree."  Herrick. 

In  landscapes,  the  Weeping  willow  is  peculiarly  expressive 
of  grace  and  softness.  Although  a  highly  beautiful  tree, 
great  care  must  be  used  in  its  introduction,  to  preserve  the 
harmony  and  propriety  of  the  whole ;  as  nothing  could  be 
more  strikingly  inappropriate,  than  to  intermix  it  frequently 
with  trees  expressive  of  dignity  or  majesty,  as  the  oak,  etc  ; 
where  the  violent  contrast  exhibited  in  the  near  proximity 
of  the  two  opposite  forms,  could   only   produce   discord. 

*  Arb.  Brit. 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  215 

The  favourite  place,  where  it  is  most  true  to  nature  and 
itself,  is  near  water,  where 

"  it  dips 


Its  pendant  boughs,  stooping  as  if  to  drink." 

COWPER. 


There,  when  properly  introduced,  not  in  too  great  abun- 
dance, hanging  over  some  rustic  bridge,  or  cool  jutting 
spring,  and  supported,  and  brought  into  harmony  with 
surromiding  vegetation  by  such  other  graceful  and  light- 
sprayed  trees,  as  the  Birch  and  Weeping  elm,  its  effect  is 
often  surpassingly  beautiful  and  appropriate.  There  it  is 
one  of  the  first  in  the  vernal  season  to  burst  its  buds,  and 
mirror  its  soft  green  foliage  in  the  flood  beneath,  and  one  of 
the  last  in  autumn  to  yield  its  leafy  vesture  to  the  chilling 
frosts,  or  fitful  gusts  of  approaching  winter. 

We  consider  the  Weeping  willow  ill  calculated  for  a  place 
near  a  mansion,  which  has  any  claims  to  size,  magnificence, 
or  architectural  beauty ;  as  it  does  not  in  any  way  contribute 
by  its  form  or  outline  to  add  to,  or  strengthen  such  charac- 
teristics in  a  building.  The  only  place  where  it  can  be 
happily  situated  in  this  way,  is  in  the  case  of  very  humble 
or  inconspicuous  cottages,  which  we  have  seen  much  orna- 
mented by  being  completely  hidden,  as  it  were,  beneath 
the  soft  veil  of  its  streaming  foliage. 

There  is  a  very  singular  variety  of  the  Weeping  willow 
cultivated  in  our  gardens,  under  the  name  of  the  Ringlet 
willow  ;  which  is  so  remarkable  in  the  form  of  its  foliage, 
and  so  different  from  all  other  trees,  that  it  is  well  worth  a 
place  as  a  curiosity.  Each  leaf  is  curled  round  like  a  ring 
or  hoop,  and  the  appearance  of  a  branch  in  full  foliage  is 
not  unlike  a  thinly  curled  ringlet ;  whence  its  common 
name.     It  forms  a  neat,  middle-sized  tree,  with  drooping 


216  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

branches,    though    hardly    so   pendant    as   the    Weeping 
willow. 

The  uses  of  the  willow  are  extremely  numerous.  Abroad 
it  is  extensively  cultivated  in  coppices,  for  timber  and  fuel, 
for  hoops,  ties,  etc. ;  and  we  are  informed,  that  in  the  north- 
ern parts  of  Europe,  and  throughout  the  Russian  Empire, 
the  twigs  are  employed  in  manufacturing  domestic  utensils, 
harness,  cables,  and  even  for  the  houses  of  the  peasantry 
themselves.  From  the  fibres  of  the  bark,  it  is  said  that  a 
durable  cloth  is  woven  by  the  Tartars ;  and  the  bark  is 
used  for  tanning,  in  various  parts  of  the  eastern  continent. 

But  by  far  the  most  extensive  use  to  which  this  plant  is 
applied,  is  in  the  manufacture  of  baskets.  From  the  earliest 
periods  it  has  been  devoted  to  this  purpose,  and  large  plan- 
tations, or  osier-fields,  as  they  are  called,  are  devoted  to  the 
culture  of  particular  kinds  for  this  purpose,  both  in  Europe 
and  America.  The  common  Basket  willow,  an  European 
species,  [iS.  viminalis,)  is  the  sort  usually  grown  for  this 
purpose,  but  several  others  are  also  employed.  For  the 
culture  of  the  basket  willows,  a  deep,  moist,  though  not 
inundated  soil  is  necessary ;  such  as  is  generally  found  on 
the  margins  of  small  streams,  or  low  lands.  "  Ropes  and 
baskets  made  from  willow  twigs,  were  probably  among  the 
very  earliest  manufactures,  in  countries  where  these  trees 
abound.  The  Romans  used  the  twigs  for  binding  their 
vines,  and  tying  their  reeds  in  bundles,  and  made  all  sorts 
of  baskets  of  them.  A  crop  of  willows  was  considered  so 
valuable  in  the  time  of  Cato,  that  he  ranks  the  Salictum,  or 
willow  field,  next  in  value  to  the  vineyard,  and  the  garden. 
(Art.  Salix,  Arb.  Brit.) 

Among  us,  the  European  Basket  willow  is  extensively 
cultivated,  and  very  large  plantations  are  to  be  seen  in  the 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  217 

low  grounds  of  New- Jersey  and  Pennsylvania.  The  wood 
of  some  of  the  tree  willows,  and  particularly  that  of  the 
Yellow  willow,  and  the  Shining  willow,  {S.  lucida,)  is 
greatly  used  in  making  charcoal  for  the  manufacture  of 
gmipowder. 

It  is  almost  uimecessary  to  say,  that  all  the  willows  grow 
readily  from  slips  or  truncheons  planted  in  the  ground.  So 
tenacious  of  life  are  they,  that  examples  are  known  where 
small  trees  have  been  taken  up  and  completely  inverted,  by 
planting  the  branches  and  leaving  the  roots  exposed,  which 
have  nevertheless  thrown  out  new  roots  from  the  former 
tops,  and  the  roots  becoming  branches,  the  tree  grew  again 
with  its  ordinary  vigour. 


The  Sassafras  Tree.     Laurus. 

Nat.  Ord.    Lauraceee.  Lin.  Syst.    Enneandria,  Monogynia. 

The  Sassafras  is  a  neat  tree  of  the  middle  size,  belonging 
to  the  same  family  as  the  European  laurel  or  Sweet  bay. 
it  is  foimd,  more  or  less  plentifully,  through  the  whole 
territory  of  the  United  States.  In  favourable  soils,  along 
the  banks  of  the  Hudson,  it  often  grows  to  40  or  50  feet  in 
height ;  but  in  the  woods  it  seldom  reaches  that  altitude. 
The  flowers  are  yellow,  and  appear  in  small  clusters  in 
May,  and  the  fruit  is  a  small,  deep  blue  berry,  seated  on  a 
red  footstalk  or  cup.  The  bark  of  the  wood  and  roots  has 
an  agreeable  smell  and  taste,  and  is  a  favourite  ingredient, 
with  the  branches  of  the  spruce,  in  the  small  beer  made  by 
the  country  people.     Medicinally,  it  is  considered  anti-scor, 

28 


218  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

butic,  and  sudorific  ;  and  is  thought  efficacious  in  purifying 
the  blood.  It  was  formerly  in  great  repute  with  practitioners 
abroad,  and  large  quantities  of  the  bark  of  the  roots  were 
shipped  to  England ;  but  the  demand  has  of  late  greatly 
decreased. 

The  Sassafras  is  a  very  agreeable  tree  to  the  eye,  decked 
as  it  is  with  its  glossy,  deep  green,  oval,  or  three-lobed 
leaves.  When  fully  grown,  it  is  also  quite  picturesque  for 
a  tree  of  so  moderate  a  size  ;  as  its  branches  generally  have 
an  irregular,  somewhat  twisted  look,  and  the  head  is  par- 
tially flattened,  and  considerably  varied  in  outline.  After 
ten  years  of  age,  this  tree  always  looks  older  than  it  really 
is,  from  its  rough,  deeply  cracked,  gray  bark,  and  rather 
crooked  stem.  It  often  appears  extremely  well  on  the 
borders  of  a  plantation,  and  mixes  well  with  almost  any  of 
the  heavier,  deciduous  trees.  As  it  is  by  no  means  so  com- 
mon a  tree  as  many  of  those  already  noticed,  it  is  generally 
the  more  valued,  and  may  frequently  be  seen  growing  along 
the  edges  of  cultivated  fields  and  pastures,  appearing  to 
thrive  well  in  any  good  mellow  soil. 


The  Catalpa  Tree.     Catalpa. 
Nat.  Ord.    Bignoniacese.  Lin.  Syst.    Diandria,  Monogynia. 

A  native  of  nearly  all  the  states  south  and  west  of  Vir- 
ginia, this  tree  has  now  become  naturalized  also  throughout 
the  middle  and  eastern  sections  of  the  Union,  where  it  is 
generally  planted  for  ornament. 

In  Carolina  it  is  called  the  Catawba  tree,  after  the  Cataw- 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  219 

ba  Indians,  a  tribe  that  formerly  inhabited  that  country ; 
and  it  is  probable  that  the  softer  epithet  now  generally 
bestowed  upon  it  in  the  north,  is  only  a  corruption  of  that 
original  name. 

The  leaves  of  this  tree  are  very  large,  often  measuring 
six  or  seven  inches  broad ;  they  are  heart-shaped  in  form, 
smooth,  and  pale  green  on  the  upper  side,  slightly  downy 
beneath.  The  blossoms  are  extremely  beautiful,  hanging 
like  those  of  the  Horse-chestnut,  in  massy  clusters  beyond 
the  outer  surface  of  the  foliage.  The  colour  is  a  pure  and 
delicate  white,  and  the  irmer  part  of  the  corolla  is  delicately 
sprinkled  over  with  violet,  or  reddish  and  yellow  spots  ; 
indeed,  the  individual  beauty  of  the  flowers  is  so  great 
when  viewed  closely,  that  one  almost  regrets  that  they 
should  be  elevated  on  the  branches  of  a  large  forest  tree. 
When  these  fall,  they  are  succeeded  by  bean-like  capsules 
or  seed-vessels,  which  grow  ten  or  twelve  inches  long, 
become  brown,  and  hang  pendant  upon  the  branches  du- 
ring the  greater  part  of  the  winter. 

The  Catalpa  never,  or  rarely,  takes  a  symmetrical  form 
when  growing  up ;  but  generally  forms  a  wide-spreading 
head,  forty  or  fifty  feet  in  diameter.  Its  large  and  abundant 
foliage  affords  a  copious  shade,  and  its  growth  is  quite  rapid, 
soon  forming  a  large  and  bulky  tree.  In  ornamental  planta- 
tions it  is  much  varied  on  account  of  its  superb  and  showy 
flowers,  and  is  therefore  deserving  a  place  in  every  lawn. 
It  is  generally  seen  to  best  advantage  when  standing  alone, 
but  it  may  also  be  mingled  with  other  large  round-leaved 
trees,  as  the  basswood,  etc.,  when  it  produces  a  very  pleasing 
effect.  The  branches  are  rather  brittle,  like  those  of  the 
locust,  and  are  therefore  somewhat  liable  to  be  broken  by 
the  wind.    Accustomed  to  a  warmer  climate,  the  leaves 


220  LANDSCAPE  GARDENING. 

expand  late  in  the  spring,  and  wither  hastily  when  frost 
approaches ;  but  the  soft  tint  of  their  luxuriant  vegetation 
is  very  grateful  to  the  eye,  and  it  appears  to  be  uninjured 
by  the  hottest  rays  of  summer.  North  of  this  place  the 
Catalpa  is  rather  too  tender  for  exposed  situations. 

We  have  seen  the  Catalpa  employed  to  great  advantage  in 
fixing  and  holding  up  the  loose  soil  of  river  banks,  where, 
if  planted,  it  will  soon  insinuate  its  strong  roots,  and  retain 
the  soil  firmly.  In  Ohio,  experiments  have  been  made  with 
the  timber  for  the  posts  used  in  fencing  ;  and  it  is  stated  on 
good  authority  that  it  is  but  little  inferior,  when  well  sea- 
soned, to  that  of  the  locust  in  durability. 

Michaiix  mentions  that  he  has  been  assured  that  the 
honey  collected  from  the  flowers  is  poisonous  ;  but  this  we 
are  inclined  to  doubt ;  or  at  least  we  have  witnessed  no  ill 
effects  from  planting  it  in  abundance  in  the  middle  states, 
in  those  neighbourhoods  where  bees  are  kept  in  considerable 
numbers. 

The  Catalpa  is  very  easily  propagated  from  seeds  sown  in 
any  light  soil ;  and  the  growth  of  the  young  plants  is  ex- 
tremely rapid.     C.  syringafolia  is  the  only  species. 


The  Persimon  Tree.    Diospyros. 

Nat.  Ord.    Ebenaceee.  Lin.  Syst.    Polygaraia,  Dioecia. 

The  Highlands  of  the  Hudson,  and  about  the  same  lati- 
tude on  the  Connecticut,  may  be  considered  the  northern 
limits  of  this  small  tree.  It  generally  forms  a  spreading, 
loose  head,  of  some  twenty  or  thirty  feet  high,  in  good  soils  in 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  221 

the  middle  states  ;  but  we  have  seen  a  specimen  of  nearly 
eighty  feet,  in  the  old  Bartram  Garden  at  Philadelphia  ;  and 
fifty  feet  is  probably  the  average  growth  on  deep  fertile  lands 
in  the  southern  states. 

The  Persimon  bears  a  small,  round,  dull  red  fruit,  about 
an  inch  in  diameter,  containing  six  or  seven  stones ;  it  is 
insufferably  austere  and  bitter,  until  the  autunmal  frosts  have 
mellowed  it,  and  lessened  its  harshness,  when  it  becomes 
quite  palatable.  Considerable  quantities  of  the  fruit  are  an- 
ually  brought  into  New- York  market  and  its  vicinity,  from 
New- Jersey,  and  sold  :  the  produce  is  very  abundant,  a  sin- 
gle tree  often  yielding  several  bushels.  A  strong  brandy 
has  been  distilled  from  them  ;  and  in  the  south,  they  are  said 
to  enter  into  the  composition  of  the  country  beer.  For  the 
latter  purpose  they  are  pounded  up  with  bran,  dried,  and 
kept  for  use  till  wanted. 

The  foliage  of  the  Persimon  is  handsome  ;  the  leaves  be- 
ing four  or  five  inches  long,  simple,  oblong,  dark  green,  and 
glossy,  like  those  of  the  orange.  The  blossoms  are  green 
and  inconspicuous. 

The  Persimon  has  no  importance  as  a  tree  to  recommend 
it ;  but  it  may  be  admitted  in  all  good  collections  for  its 
pleasing  shining  foliage,  and  the  variety  which  its  singular 
fruit  adds  to  the  productions  of  a  complete  country  residence. 
The  common  sort,  {D.  Virginiana,)  grows  readily  from  the 
seed. 

There  is  an  European  species,  {Diospyrits  Lotus,)  with 
yellow  fruit  about  the  size  of  a  cherry,  rather  less  palatable 
than  our  native  kind.  The  specimens  of  this  tree,  which  we 
have  imported,  appear  too  tender  to  bear  our  winters  unpro- 
tected, so  that  it  will  probably  not  prove  hardy  in  the  north- 
ern states. 


222  LANDSCAPE  GARDENING. 

The  Peperidge  Tree.     Nyssa. 
Nat.  Ord.    Santalacese.  Lin.  Syst.     Polygamia,  Dicecia. 

The  Peperidge,  Tupelo,  or  sour  gum  tree,  as  it  is  called  in 
various  parts  of  the  Union,  grows  to  a  moderate  size,  and  is 
generally  found  in  moist  situations,  though  we  have  seen  it 
in  New- York  State,  thriving  very  well  in  dry  upland  soils. 
The  diameter  of  the  trunk  is  seldom  more  than  eighteen 
inches,  and  the  general  height  is  about  forty  or  fifty  feet. 
The  flowers  are  scarcely  perceptible,  but  the  fruit  borne  in 
pairs,  is  about  the  size  of  a  pea,  deep  blue,  and  ripens  in 
October. 

The  leaves  are  oval,  smooth,  and  have  a  beautiful  gloss  on 
their  upper  surface.  The  branches  diverge  from  the  main 
trunk  almost  horizontally,  and  sometimes  even  bend  down- 
wards like  those  of  some  of  the  Pine  family,  which  gives  the 
tree  a  very  marked  and  picturesque  character. 

The  Peperidge  when  of  moderate  size,  is  not  difficult  to 
transplant,  and  we  consider  it  a  very  fine  tree,  both  on  ac- 
count of  its  beautiful,  dark  green,  and  lustrous  foliage  in  sum- 
mer, and  the  brilliant  fiery  colour  which  it  takes  when  the 
frost  touches  it  in  autumn.  In  this  respect  it  is  fully  equal 
in  point  of  beauty,  to  that  of  the  Liquidambar  or  Sweet  gum, 
and  the  maples  which  we  have  already  described  ;  and  so 
fine  a  feature  do  we  consider  this  autumnal  beauty  of  foliage 
that  we  would  by  all  means  advise  the  introduction  of  such 
trees  as  the  Peperidge,  into  the  landscape  for  that  reason 
alone,  were  it  not  also  valuable  for  its  peculiar  form  and 
polished  leaves  in  summer. 

Besides  the  Peperidge,  there  are  three  other  Nyssas,  natives 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  223 

of  this  continent,  viz:  the  Black  gum,  (A^.  sylvatica,)  a  tree 
of  greater  dimensions,  and  larger,  more  elongated  leaves, 
whose  northern  boundary  is  the  neighbourhood  of  Philadel- 
phia ;  the  Large  Tupelo,  (A^.  grandidentata,)  a  tree  of  the 
largest  size,  with  large,  coarsely  toothed  foliage,  and  a  large 
blue  fruit,  three-fourths  of  an  inch  long,  which  is  sometimes 
called  the  wild  olive  ;  and  the  sour  Tupelo,  {N.  capitata,) 
with  long,  smooth,  laurel-like  leaves,  and  a  light  red,  oval 
fruit,  called  the  Wild  Lime,  from  its  abounding  in  a  strong 
acid,  resembling  that  of  the  latter  fruit.  Both  the  latter  trees 
are  natives  of  the  southren  states,  and  are  little  known  north 
of  Philadelphia. 

The  wood  of  all  the  foregoing  trees  is  remarkable  for  the 
peculiar  arrangement  if  its  fibres  ;  which,  instead  of  running 
directly  through  the  stem  in  parallel  lines,  are  curiously 
twisted  and  interwoven  together.  Owing  to  this  circum- 
stance it  is  extremely  difficult  to  split,  and  is  therefore  often 
used  in  the  manufacture  of  wooden  bowls,  trays,  etc.  That 
of  the  Peperidge  is  also  preferred  for  the  same  reason,  and 
for  its  toughness,  by  the  wheelwrights,  in  the  construction 
of  the  naves  of  wheels,  and  for  other  similar  purposes. 

Michaux  remarks  that  he  is  unable  to  give  any  reason  why 
the  names  of  Sour  gum,  Black  gum,  etc.,  have  been  bestowed 
upon  these  trees,  as  they  spontaneously  exude  no  sap  or  fluid 
which  could  give  rise  to  such  an  appellation.  We  suspect 
that  the  term  has  arisen  from  a  comparison  of  the  autumnal 
tints  of  these  trees  belonging  to  the  genus  Nyssa,  with  those 
of  the  Sweet  gum  or  Liquidambar,  which,  at  a  short  distance, 
they  so  much  resemble  in  the  early  autumn. 


224  LANDSCAPE  GARDENING. 

The  Thorn  Tree.     Crategus. 

Nat.  Ord.    Rosacese.      Lin.  Syst.    Icosandria,  Di-pentagynia. 

A  tree  of  the  smallest  size ;  but  though  many  of  the  sorts 
attain  only  the  stature  of  ordinary  shrubs,  yet  some  of  our 
native  species,  as  well  as  the  English  Hawthorn,  [C.  oxy- 
cantha^)  when  standing  alone,  will  form  neat,  spreading- 
topped  trees,  of  twenty  or  thirty  feet  in  height. 

Although  the  thorn  is  not  generally  viewed  among  us  as  a 
plant  at  all  conducive  to  the  beauty  of  scenery,  yet  we  are  in- 
duced to  mention  it  here,  and  to  enforce  its  claims  in  that 
point  of  view,  as  they  appear  to  us  highly  entitled  to  consid- 
eration. First,  the  foliage — deep  green,  shining,  and  often 
beautifully  cut  and  diversified  in  form — is  prettily  tufted  and 
arranged  upon  the  branches ;  secondly,  the  snowy  blossoms — 
often  produced  in  such  quantities  as  to  completely  whiten 
the  whole  head  of  the  tree,  and  which  in  many  sorts  have  a 
delightful  perfume — present  a  charming  appearance  in  the 
early  part  of  the  season  ;  and  thirdly,  the  ruddy  crimson  or 
purple  haws  or  fruit,  which  give  the  whole  plant  a  rich  and 
glowing  appearance  in  and  among  our  fine  forests,  open 
glades,  or  wild  thickets,  in  autumn. 

The  most  ornamental,  and  the  strongest  growing  in- 
digenous kinds  are  the  Scarlet  Thorn  tree  (C  coccinea,)  and 
its  varieties,  the  Washington  Thorn,  (C.  populifoliayand  the 
Cockspur  Thorn,  (C.  crus-galli) ;  all  of  which  in  good  soil, 
will  grow  to  the  height  of  twenty  or  thirty  feet,  and  can 
readily  be  transplanted  from  their  native  sites. 

The  English  Hawthorn  is  not  only  a  beautiful  small  tree, 
but  it  is  connected  in  our  minds,  with  all  the  elegant,  poetic, 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  225 

and  legendary  associations  which  belong  to  it  in  England ; 
for  scarcely  any  tree  is  richer  in  such  than  this.  With  the 
floral  games  of  May,  this  plant,  from  its  blooming  at  that 
period,  and  being  the  favourite  of  the  season,  has  become  so 
identified,  that  the  blossoms  are  known  in  many  parts  of 
Britain  chiefly  by  that  name.  Among  the  ancient  Greeks 
and  Romans,  they  were  dedicated  to  Flora,  whose  festival 
began  on  the  first  of  that  month  ;  and  in  the  olden  times  of 
merry  England,  the  May-pole,  its  top  decked  with  the  gayest 
garlands  of  these  blossoms,  was  raised  amid  the  shouts  of 
the  young  and  old  assembled  to  celebrate  this  happy  rustic 
festival.  Chaucer  alludes  to  the  custom,  and  describes  the 
hawthorn  thus  : 

Marke  the  faire  blooming  of  the  Hawthorne  tree, 
Which  finely  cloathed  in  a  robe  of  wliite, 
Fills  ftill  the  wanton  eye  with  May's  delight. 

Court  of  Love. 

And  Her  rick  has  left  us  the  following  lines  to   "  Corrina 
going  a  Maying ;" 

"  Come,  my  Corrina,  come ;  and  coming,  marke 
How  eche  field  turns  a  street,  eclie  street  a  park 
Made  green,  and  trimmed  with  trees ;   see  how 
Devotion  gives  eche  house  a  bough 
Or  branch ;  eche  porch,  eche  doore  ere  this. 
An  arke,  a  tabernacle  is. 
Made  up  of  Hawthorne,  neatly  interwove. 
As  if  here  were  those  cooler  shades  of  love." 

The  following  lines  descriptive  of  the  English  species,  we 
extract  from  the  "  Romance  of  Nature ;" 

"  Come  let  us  rest  this  hawthorn  tree  beneath. 
And  breathe  its  luscious  fragrance  as  it  flies, 

29 


226  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

And  watch  the  tiny  petals  as  they  fall, 
Circling  and  winnowing  down  our  sylvan  hall." 

The  berries  or  haws,  as  they  are  called,  have  a  very  rich 
and  coral-hke  look  when  the  tree,  standing  alone,  is  com- 
pletely covered  with  them  in  October.  There  are  some  ele- 
gant varieties  of  this  species,  which  highly  deserve  cultiva- 
tion for  the  beauty  of  their  flowers  and  foliage.  Among  them 
we  may  particularly  notice  the  Double  White,  with  beau- 
tiful blossoms  like  small  white  roses;  the  Pink  and  the 
Scarlet  flowering,  both  single  and  double,  and  the  Variegated- 
leaved  hawthorn,  all  elegant  trees  ;  as  well  as  the  Weeping 
hawthorn,  a  rarer  variety,  with  pendulous  branches. 

The  Hawthorn  is  most  agreeable  to  the  eye  in  composition 
when  it  forms  the  undergrowth  or  thicket,  peeping  out  in 
all  its  green  freshness,  gay  blossoms,  or  bright  fruit  from  be- 
neath and  between  the  groups  and  masses  of  trees ;  where, 
mingled  with  the  hazel,  etc.,  it  gives  a  pleasing  intricacy  to 
the  whole  mass  of  foliage.  But  the  difierent  species  display 
themselves  to  most  advantage,  and  grow  also  to  a  finer  size, 
when  planted  singly,  or  two  or  three  together,  along  the 
walks  leading  through  the  diflerent  parts  of  the  pleasure- 
gromid  or  shrubbery. 


The  Magnolia  Tree.      Magnolia. 

Nat.  Ord.    MagnoliacesB.  Lin.  Syst.    Polyandria,  Polygynia. 

The  North  American  trees  composing  the  genus  Magnolia 
are  certainly  among  the  most  splendid  productions  of  the  for- 
ests in  any  temperate  climate  ;   and  when  we  consider  the 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREEs/  227 

size,  and  fragrance  of  their  blossoms,  or  the  beauty  of  their 
large  and  noble  foliage,  we  may  be  allowed  to  doubt  whether 
there  is  a  more  magnificent  and  showy  genus  of  deciduous 
trees  in  the  world.  With  the  exception  of  a  few  shrubs  or 
smaller  trees,  natives  of  China,  and  the  mountains  of  Cen- 
tral Asia,  it  belongs  exclusively  to  this  continent,  as  no  in- 
dividuals of  this  order  are  indigenous  to  Europe  or  Africa. 
The  American  species  attracted  the  attention  of  the  first 
botanists  who  came  over  to  examine  the  riches  of  our  native 
flora,  and  were  transplanted  to  the  gardens  of  England  and 
France,  more  than  a  hundred  years  ago,  where  they  are 
still  valued  as  the  finest  hardy  trees  of  that  hemisphere. 

The  Large  Evergreen  Magnolia,  {M.  grmidiflora,)  or 
Big  Laurel,  as  it  is  sometimes  called,  is  peculiarly  indige- 
nous to  that  portion  of  our  country  south  of  North  Carolina, 
where  its  stately  trunk,  often  seventy  feet  in  height,  and 
superb  pyramid  of  deep  green  foliage,  render  it  one  of  the 
loveliest  and  most  majestic  of  trees.  The  leaves,  which  are 
evergreen,  and  somewhat  resemble  those  of  the  laurel  in 
form,  are  generally  six  or  eight  inches  in  length,  thick  in 
texture,  and  brilliantly  polished  on  the  upper  surface.  The 
highly  fragrant  flowers  are  composed  of  about  six  petals, 
opening  in  a  wide  cup-like  form,  of  the  most  snowy  white- 
ness of  colour.  Scattered  among  the  rich  foliage,  their 
effect  is  exquisitely  beautiful.  The  seeds  are  borne  in  an 
oval,  cone-like  carpel  or  seed-vessel,  composed  of  a  number 
of  cells  which  split  longitudinally,  when  the  stony  seed, 
covered  with  a  bright  red  pulp,  drops  out.  There  are  seve- 
ral varieties,  which  have  been  raised  from  the  seed  of  this 
species  abroad ;  the  most  beautiful  is  the  Exmouth  Magno- 
lia, with  fine  foliage,  rusty  beneath  ;  it  produces  its  flowers 
much  earlier  and  more  abundantly  than  the  original  sort. 


228  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

We  regret  that  this  tree  is  too  tender  to  bear  the  open  air 
north  of  Philadelphia,  as  it  is  one  of  the  choicest  evergreens. 
At  the  nurseries  of  the  Messrs.  Landreth,  and  at  the  Bartram 
Botanic  Garden  of  Col.  Carr,  near  that  city,  some  good 
specimens  of  this  Magnolia  and  its  varieties  are  growing 
thriftily ;  but  in  the  State  of  New- York,  and  at  the  east,  it 
can  only  be  considered  a  green-house  plant. 

The  Cucumber  Magnolia,  (C.  accuTninata,)  (so  called 
from  the  appearance  of  the  young  fruit,  which  is  not  unlike 
a  green  cucumber,)  takes  the  same  place  in  the  north,  in 
point  of  majesty  and  elevation,  that  the  Big  Laurel  occupies 
in  the  south.  Its  northern  limit  is  Lake  Erie ;  and  it 
abounds  along  the  whole  range  of  the  Alleghanies  to  the 
southward,  in  rich  mountain  acclivities,  and  moist  sheltered 
valleys.  There  it  often  measures  three  or  four  feet  in 
diameter,  and  eighty  in  height.  The  leaves,  which  are 
deciduous,  like  those  of  all  the  Magnolias  except  the  M. 
grandijlora,  are  also  about  six  inches  long,  and  four 
broad,  accuminate  at  the  point,  of  a  bluish  green  on  the 
upper  surface.  The  flowers  are  six  inches  in  diameter,  of  a 
pale  yellow,  much  like  those  of  the  Tulip  tree,  and  slightly 
fragrant.  The  fruit  is  about  three  inches  long,  and  cylin- 
drical in  shape.  Most  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  country 
bordering  on  the  Alleghanies,  says  Michaux,  gather  these 
cones  about  midsummer,  when  they  are  half  ripe,  and  steep 
them  in  whiskey ;  the  liquor  produced,  they  take  as  an 
antidote  against  the  fevers  prevalent  in  those  districts. 

The  Umbrella  Magnolia,  {M.  tripetala,)  though  found 
sometimes  in  the  northwest  of  New- York,  is  rare  there,  and 
abounds  most  in  the  south  and  west.  It  is  a  smaller  tree 
than  the  preceding  kinds,  rarely  growing  more  than  thirty 
feet  high.     The  leaves  on  the  terminal  shoots,  are  disposed 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTxVL    TREES.  229 

three  or  four  in  a  tuft,  which  has  given  rise  to  the  name  of 
Umbrella  tree.  They  are  of  fine  size,  eighteen  inches  or  two 
feet  long,  and  seven  or  eight  broad,  oval,  and  pointed  at  both 
ends  ;  the  flowers  are  also  large,  white,  and  numerous  ;  and 
the  conical  fruit-vessel  containing  the  seeds,  assumes  a 
beautiful  rose-colour  in  autumn.  From  its  fine  tufted 
foliage,  and  rapid  growth,  this  is  one  of  the  most  desirable 
species  for  our  pleasure-grounds. 

The  Large-leaved  Magnolia,  {M.  macrophylla,)  is  the 
rarest  of  the  genus  in  our  forests,  being  only  found  as  yet, 
in  North  Carolina.  The  leaves  grow  to  an  enormous  size, 
when  the  tree  is  young,  often  measuring  three  feet  long, 
and  nine  or  ten  inches  broad.  They  are  oblong,  oval,  and 
heart-shaped  at  the  base.  The  flowers  are  also  immense, 
opening  of  the  size  of  a  hat-crown,  and  diflusing  a  most 
agreeable  odour.  The  tree  attains  only  a  secondary  size, 
and  is  distinguished  in  winter  by  the  whiteness  of  its  bark, 
compared  with  the  others.  It  is  rather  tender  north  of  New- 
York. 

The  Heart-leaved  Magnolia,  {M.  cordata,)  is  a  beautiful 
southern  species,  distinguished  by  its  nearly  round,  heart- 
shaped  foliage,  and  its  yellow  flowers  about  four  inches  in 
diameter.  It  blooms  in  the  gardens  very  young,  and  very 
abundantly,  often  producing  two  crops  in  a  season. 

Magnolia  auriculata,  grows  about  forty  feet  high,  and  is 
also  found  near  the  southern  Alleghany  range  of  mountains. 
The  leaves  are  light  green,  eight  or  nine  inches  long,  widest 
at  the  top,  and  narrower  towards  the  base,  where  they  are 
rounded  into  lobes.  The  flowers  are  not  so  fine  as  those  of 
the  preceding  kinds,  but  still  are  handsome,  pale  greenish 
white,  and  about  four  inches  in  diameter. 

Besides   these,  there   is  a  smaller   American    Magnolia, 


230  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

which  is  the  only  sort  that  in  the  middle  or  eastern  sections 
of  the  Union,  grows  within  150  miles  of  the  sea-shore.  This 
is  the  Magnolia  of  the  swamps  of  New- Jersey,  and  the  south, 
{M.  glauca,)  of  which  so  many  fragrant  and  beautiful  bou- 
quets are  gathered  in  the  season  of  its  inflorescence,  brought 
to  New- York  and  Philadelphia,  and  exposed  for  sale  in  the 
markets.  It  is  rather  a  large  bush,  than  a  tree  ;  with  shi- 
ning, green,  laurel-like  leaves,  four  or  five  inches  long,  some- 
what mealy  or  glaucous  beneath.  The  blossoms,  about 
three  inches  broad,  are  snowy  white,  and  so  fragrant  that 
where  they  abound  in  the  swamps,  their  perfume  is  often 
perceptible  for  the  distance  of  a  quarter  of  a  mile. 

The  foreign  sorts  introduced  into  our  gardens  from  China, 
are  the  Chinese  purple,  {M.  jtuiyurea^)  which  produces  an 
abundance  of  large  delicate  purple  blossoms,  early  in  the 
season  ;  the  Yulan  or  Chinese  White  Magnolia,  {M.  con- 
spicua,)  a  most  abundant  bloomer,  bearing  beautiful  white, 
fragrant  flowers  in  April,  before  the  leaves  appear ;  and 
Soulange's  Magnolia,  {M.  Soulangiana,)  a  hybrid  between 
the  two  foregoing,  with  large  flowers  delicately  tinted  with 
white  and  purple.  These  succeed  well  in  sheltered  situa- 
tions, in  our  pleasure-grounds,  and  add  greatly  to  their 
beauty  early  in  the  season.  Grafted  on  the  cucumber  tree, 
they  form  large  and  vigorous  trees  of  great  beauty. 

The  Magnolia,  in  order  to  thrive  well,  requires  a  deep 
rich  soil ;  which  in  nearly  all  cases,  to  secure  their  luxuri- 
ance, should  be  improved  by  adding  thereto  some  leaf  mould 
or  decayed  vegetable  matter  from  the  woods.  Wlien  trans- 
planted from  the  nursery,  they  should  be  preferred  of  small 
or  only  moderate  size,  as  their  succulent  roots  are  easily  in- 
jured, and  they  recover  slowly  when  large.  Most  of  them 
may  be  propagated  from  seed  ;  but  they  flower  sooner,  grow 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  231 

more  vigorously,  and  are  much  hardier  when  grafted  upon 
young  stocks  of  the  Cucumber  Magnolia.  This  we  have 
found  to  be  particularly  the  case  with  the  Chinese  species 
and  varieties. 

All  these  trees  are  such  superb  objects  upon  a  lawn,  in 
their  rich  summer  garniture  of  luxuriant  foliage,  and  large 
odoriferous  flowers,  that  they  need  no  further  recommenda- 
tion from  us  to  insure  their  regard  and  admiration  from  all 
persons  who  have  room  for  their  culture.  If  possible,  situa- 
tions somewhat  sheltered  either  by  buildings,  or  other  trees, 
should  be  chosen  for  all  the  species,  except  the  Cucumber 
Magnolia,  which  thrives  well  in  almost  any  aspect  not 
directly  open  to  violent  gales  of  wind. 


The  White-wood,  or  Tulip  Tree.     Liriodendron. 
Nat.  Ord.    Magnoliaceee.  Lin.  Syst.    Polyandria,  Polygynia. 

The  Tulip  tree  belongs  to  the  same  natural  order  as  the 
Magnolias,  and  is  not  inferior  to  most  of  the  latter  in  all  that 
entitles  them  to  rank  among  our  very  finest  forest  trees. 

The  taller  Magnolias,  as  we  have  already  remarked,  do 
not  grow  naturally  within  100  or  150  miles  of  the  sea-coast ; 
and  the  Tulip  tree  may  be  considered  as  in  some  measure, 
supplying  their  place  in  the  middle  Atlantic  states.  West  of 
the  Connecticut  river,  and  south  of  the  sources  of  the  Hudson, 
this  fine  tree  may  be  often  seen  reaching  in  warm  and  deep 
alluvial  soils,  80  or  90  feet  in  height.     But  in  the  western 


232  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

States,  where  indeed  the  growth  of  forest  trees  is  astonish- 
ingly vigorous,  this  tree  far  exceeds  that  ahitude.  The  elder 
Michaux  mentions  several  which  he  saw  in  Kentucky,  that 
were  fifteen  and  sixteen  feet  in  girth ;  and  his  son  confirms 
the  measurement  of  one,  three  miles  and  a  half  from  Louis- 
ville, which  at  five  feet  from  the  ground,  was  found  to  be 
twenty-two  feet  and  six  inches  in  circumference,  with  a  cor- 
responding elevation  of  130  feet. 

The  foliage  Is  rich  and  glossy,  and  has  a  very  peculiar 
form  ;  being  cut  ofi",  as  it  were,  at  the  extremity,  and  slightly 
notched  and  divided,  into  two  sided  lobes.  The  breadth 
of  the  leaves  is  six  or  eight  inches.  The  flowers,  which  are 
shaped  like  a  large  tulip,  are  composed  of  six  thick  yellow 
petals,  mottled  on  the  inner  surface  with  red  and  green. 
They  are  borne  singly  on  the  terminal  shoots,  have  a  plea- 
sant, slight  perfume,  and  are  very  showy.  The  seed-vessel, 
which  ripens  in  October,  is  formed  of  a  number  of  scales 
surrounding  the  central  axis  in  the  form  of  a  cone.  It  is 
remarkable  that  young  trees  under  30  or  35  feet  high, 
seldom  or  never  perfect  their  seeds. 

Whoever  has  once  seen  the  Tulip  tree  in  a  situation  where 
the  soil  was  favourable  to  its  free  growth,  can  never  forget 
it.  With  a  clean  trunk,  straight  as  a  column,  for  40  or  50 
feet,  surmounted  by  a  fine,  ample  summit  of  rich  green  foliage, 
it  is,  in  our  estimation,  decidedly  the  most  stately  tree  in 
North  America.  When  standing  alone,  and  encouraged  in 
its  lateral  growth,  it  will  indeed  often  produce  a  lower  head, 
but  its  tendency  is  to  rise,  and  it  only  exhibits  itself  in  all 
its  stateliness  and  majesty  when,  supported  on  such  a  noble 
columnar  trunk,  it  towers  far  above  the  heads  of  its  neigh- 
bours of  the  park  or  forest.     Even  when  at  its  loftiest  eleva- 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  833 

tion,  its  large  specious  blossoms,  which,  from  their  form,  one 
of  our  poets  has  likened  to  the  chalice ; 


Through  the  verdant  maze 

The  Tulip  tree, 
Its  golden  chalice  oft  triumphantly  displays. 

Pickering. 

jut  out  from  amid  the  tufted  canopy  in  the  month  of  June, 
and  glow  in  richness  and  beauty.  While  the  tree  is  less  than 
a  foot  in  diameter,  the  stem  is  extremely  smooth,  and  it  has, 
almost  always,  a  refined  and  finished  appearance.  For  the 
lawn  or  park,  we  conceive  the  Tulip  tree  eminently  adapted  : 
its  tall  upright  stem,  and  handsome  summit,  contrasting 
nobly  with  the  spreading  forms  of  most  deciduous  trees.  It 
should  generally  stand  alone,  or  near  the  border  of  a  mass 
of  trees,  where  it  may  fully  display  itself  to  the  eye,  and 
exhibit  all  its  charms  from  the  root  to  the  very  summit ;  for 
no  tree  of  the  same  grandeur  and  magnitude  is  so  truly 
beautiful  and  graceful  in  every  portion  of  its  trunk  and 
branches.  Where  there  is  a  taste  for  avenues,  the  Tulip 
tree  ought  by  all  means  to  be  employed,  as  it  makes  a  most 
magnificent  overarching  canopy  of  verdure,  supported  on 
trmiks  almost  architectural  in  their  symmetry.  The  leaves 
also,  from  their  bitterness,  are  but  little  liable  to  the  attacks 
of  any  insect. 

This  tree  was  introduced  into  England  about  1668  ;  and 
is  now  to  be  found  in  almost  every  gentleman's  park  on 
the  Continent  of  Europe,  so  highly  is  it  esteemed  as  an 
ornamental  tree  of  the  first  class.  We  hope  that  the 
fine  native  specimens  yet  standing,  here  and  there,  in  farm 
lands  along  our  river  banks,  may  be  sacredly  preserved  from 
the  barbarous  infliction  of  the  axe,  which  formerly  despoiled 

30 


234  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

without  mercy,  so  many  of  the  majestic  denizens  of  our 
native  forests. 

In  the  western  states,  where  this  tree  abounds,  it  is  much 
used  in  building  and  carpentry.  The  timber  is  hght  and 
yellow,  and  the  tree  is  commonly  called  the  Yellow  Poplar, 
in  those  districts,  from  some  fancied  resemblance  in  the 
wood,  though  it  is  much  heavier  and  more  durable  than 
that  of  the  poplar. 

When  exposed  to  the  weather,  the  wood  is  liable  to  warp, 
but  as  it  is  fine  grained,  light,  and  easily  worked,  it  is  ex- 
tensively employed  for  the  pannels  of  coaches,  doors,  cabinet- 
work, and  wainscoats.  The  Indians  who  once  inhabited 
these  regions,  hollowed  out  the  trunks,  and  made  their 
canoes  of  them.  There  are  two  sorts  of  timber  known; 
viz  :  the  Yellow  and  the  White  Poplar,  or  Tulip  tree.  These, 
however,  it  is  well  known  are  the  same  species,  {L.  tulipi- 
fera,}  but  the  variation  is  brought  about  by  the  soil,  which 
if  dry,  gravelly,  and  elevated,  produces  the  white,  and  if 
rich,  deep,  and  rather  moist,  the  yellow  timber. 

It  is  rather  difficult  to  transplant  the  Tulip  tree  when  it 
has  attained  much  size,  unless  the  roots  have  undergone 
preparation,  as  will  hereafter  be  mentioned ;  but  it  is  easily 
propagated  from  seed,  or  obtained  from  the  nurseries,  and 
the  growth  is  then  strong  and  rapid. 


The  Dogwood  Tree.     Cornus. 

Nat.  Ord.    Cornacece.        Lin.  Syst.    Tetrandria,  Monogynia. 
There  are  a  number  of  small  shrubs  that  belong  to  this 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  235 

genus,  but  the  common  Dogwood,  {Cornus  fiorida,)  is  the 
only  species  which  has  any  claims  to  rank  as  a  tree.  In  the 
middle  states,  where  it  abounds,  as  well  as  in  most  other 
parts  of  the  Union,  the  maximum  height  is  thirty-five  feet, 
while  its  ordinary  elevation  is  about  twenty  feet. 

The  Dogwood  is  quite  an  ornamental  small  tree,  and  owes 
its  interest  chiefly  to  the  beauty  of  its  numerous  blossoms 
and  fruit.  The  leaves  are  oval,  about  three  inchgs  long, 
dark  green  above,  and  paler  below.  In  the  beginning  of 
May,  while  the  foliage  is  beginning  to  expand  rapidly,  and 
before  the  tree  is  in  full  leaf,  the  flowers  unfold,  and  present 
a  beautiful  spectacle,  often  covering  the  whole  tree  with  their 
snowy  garniture.  The  principal  beauty  of  these,  consists  in 
the  involucrum  or  calyx,  which,  instead  of  being  green,  as 
is  commonly  the  case,  in  the  Dogwood  takes  a  white  or  pale 
blue  tint.  The  true  flowers  may  be  seen  collected  in  little 
clusters,  and  are,  individually,  quite  small,  though  sur- 
rounded by  the  involucrum,  which  produces  all  the  effect  of 
a  fine  white  blossom. 

In  the  early  part  of  the  season,  the  Dogwood  is  one  of 
the  gayest  ornaments  of  our  native  woods.  It  is  seen  at 
that  time  to  great  advantage  in  sailing  up  the  Hudson  river. 
There,  in  the  abrupt  Highlands,  which  rise  boldly  many 
hundred  feet  above  the  level  of  the  river,  patches  of  the 
Dogwood  in  full  bloom,  gleam  forth  in  snowy  whiteness 
from  among  the  tender  green  of  the  surrounding  young 
foliage,  and  the  gloomier  shades  of  the  dark  evergreens, 
which  clothe  with  a  rich  verdure  the  rocks  and  precipices 
that  overhang  the  moving  flood  below. 

The  berries  which  succeed  these  blossoms,  become  quite 
red  and  brilliant,  in  autumn  ;  and,  as  they  are  plentifully 
borne  in  little  clusters,  they  make  quite  a  display.     When 


236  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

the  sharp  frosts  have  lessened  their  bitterness,  they  are 
the  food  of  the  robin,  which,  at  that  late  season,  eats  them 
greedily. 

The  foliage  in  autumn  is  also  highly  beautiful,  and  must 
be  considered  as  contributing  to  the  charms  of  this  tree. 
The  colour  it  assumes  is  a  deep  lake-red  ;  and  it  is  at  that 
season  as  easily  known  at  a  distance  by  its  fine  colouring, 
as  the  Maple,  the  Liquidambar,  and  the  Nyssa,  of  which  we 
have  already  spoken.  Taking  into  consideration  all  these 
ornamental  qualities,  and  also  the  fact  that  it  is  every  day 
becoming  scarcer  in  our  native  wilds,  we  think  the  Dog- 
wood tree  should  fairly  come  under  the  protection  of  the 
picturesque  planter,  and  well  deserves  a  place  in  the  plea- 
sure-ground and  shrubbery. 

The  wood  is  close-grained,  hard,  and  heavy,  and  takes  a 
good  polish.  It  is  too  small  to  enter  into  general  use,  but  is 
often  employed  for  the  lesser  utensils  of  the  farm.  The  bark 
has  been  very  successfully  employed  by  physicians  in  Phila- 
delphia, and  elsewhere,  and  is  found  to  possess  nearly  the 
same  properties  as  the  Peruvian  bark.  Bigelow  states  in  his 
American  Botany,  that  its  use  in  fevers  has  been  known 
and  practised  in  many  sections  of  the  Union  by  the  comitry 
people,  for  more  than  fifty  years. 

Besides  this  native  species  there  is  an  European  dogwood, 
{Cornus  mascula,)  commonly  called  the  Cornelian  cherry, 
which  is  now  planted  in  many  of  our  gardens,  and  grows 
to  the  height  of  twenty  or  thirty  feet.  The  small  yellow 
flowers  come  out  close  to  the  branches  in  March  or  April, 
and  the  whole  tree  is  quite  handsome  in  autumn,  from  the 
size  and  colour  of  its  fine  oval  scarlet  berries.  These  are  as 
large  as  a  small  cherry,  transparent,  and  hang  for  a  long 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  237 

time  upon  the  tree.  The  leaves  axe  much  like  those  of  the 
common  Dogwood.  Although  the  blossoms  are  produced 
when  the  plant  is  quite  a  bush,  yet  it  must  attain  some  age 
before  the  fruit  sets.  Altogether,  the  Cornelian  cherry  is 
one  of  the  most  desirable  of  small  trees. 


The  Salisburia,  or  Ginko  Tree. 

Nat.  Ord.    Taxaceae.        Lin.  Syst.    Moncecia,  Polyandria. 

This  fine  exotic  tree,  which  appears  to  be  perfectly  hardy 
in  this  climate,  is  one  of  the  most  singular  in  its  foliage  that 
has  ever  come  under  our  observation.  The  leaves  are 
wedge-shaped,  or  somewhat  triangular,  attached  to  the 
petioles  at  one  of  the  angles,  and  pale  yellowish  green  in 
colour ;  the  ribs  or  veins,  instead  of  diverging  from  the 
central  mid-rib  of  the  leaf,  as  is  commonly  the  case  in 
dicotyledonous  plants,  are  all  parallel ;  in  short,  they  almost 
exactly  resemble,  (except  in  being  three  or  four  times  as 
large,)  those  of  the  beautiful  Maiden  hair  fern,  {Adiantum,) 
common  in  our  woods  :  being  thickened  at  the  edges,  and 
notched  on  the  margin  in  a  similar  manner.  The  male 
flowers  are  yellow,  sessile  catkins  ;  the  female  is  seated  in  a 
curious  kind  of  cup,  formed  by  the  enlargement  of  the  sum- 
mit of  the  peduncle.  The  fruit  is  a  drupe,  about  an  inch  in 
length,  containing  a  nut,  which,  according  to  Dr.  Abel,  is 
almost  always  to  be  seen  for  sale  in  the  markets  of  China 
and  Japan,  the  native  country  of  this  tree.  They  are  eaten, 
after  having  been  roasted  or  boiled,  and  are  considered 
excellent. 


238  LANDSCAPE  GARDENING. 

The  Salisburia  was  introduced  into  this  country  by  that 
zealous  amateur  of  horticulture  and  botany,  the  late  Mr. 
Hamilton,  of  Woodlands,  near  Philadelphia,  who  brought  it 
from  England  in  1784,  where  it  had  been  received  from 
Japan  about  thirty  years  previous.  There  are  several  of 
these  now  growing  at  Woodlands  ;  and  the  largest  measures 
sixty  feet  in  height,  and  three  feet  four  inches  in  circum- 
ference. The  next  largest  specimen  which  we  have  seen, 
is  now  standing  on  the  north  side  of  that  fine  public  square, 
the  Boston  Common.  It  originally  grew  in  the  grounds  of 
Gardiner  Green,  Esq.,  of  Boston  ;  but  though  of  fine  size,  it 
was,  about  three  years  since,  carefully  removed  to  its  present 
site,  which  proves  its  capability  for  bearing  transplanting. 
Its  measurement  is  forty  feet  in  elevation,  and  three  in  cir- 
cumference. There  is  also  a  very  handsome  tree  in  the 
grounds  of  Messrs.  Landreth,  Philadelphia,  about  thirty-five 
feet  high,  and  very  thrifty. 

We  have  not  learned  that  any  of  these  trees  have  yet 
borne  their  blossoms  ;  'at  any  rate,  none  but  male  blossoms 
have  yet  been  produced.  Abroad,  the  Salisburia  has  fruited 
in  the  South  of  France,  and  young  trees  have  been  reared 
from  the  nuts. 

The  bark  is  somewhat  soft  and  leathery,  and,  on  the 
trunk  and  branches,  assumes  a  singular  tawny  yellow,  or 
grayish  colour.  The  tree  grows  pretty  rapidly,  and  forms 
an  exceedingly  neat,  loose,  conical,  or  tapering  head.  The 
timber  is  very  solid  and  heavy  ;  and  the  tree  is  said  to  grow 
to  enormous  size  in  its  native  country  ;  Bunge,  who  accom- 
panied the  mission  from  Russia  to  Pekin,  states  that  he  saw 
near  a  Pagoda,  an  immense  Ginko  tree,  with  a  trmik 
nearly  forty  feet  in  circumference,  and  still  in  full  vigour  of 
vegetation.* 

♦  Bull,  de  la  Soc.  d'Agir.  du  depart,  de  I'Herault.    Arb.  Brit. 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  239 

Although  nearly  related  to  the  Pine  tribe,  and  forming, 
apparently,  the  connecting  link  between  the  coniferm  and 
exogenous  trees,  yet  unlike  the  former  tribe,  the  wood  of 
the  tree  is  perfectly  free  from  resin. 

The  Ginko  tree  is  so  great  a  botanical  curiosity,  and  is  so 
singularly  beautiful  when  clad  with  its  fern-like  foliage,  that 
it  is  strikingly  adapted  to  add  ornament  and  interest  to  the 
pleasure-ground.  As  the  foliage  is  of  that  kind  which  must 
be  viewed  near  by  to  understand  its  peculiarity,  and  as  the 
form  and  outline  of  the  tree  are  pleasing,  and  harmonize 
well  with  buildings,  we  would  recommend  that  it  be  plant- 
ed near  the  house,  where  its  unique  character  can  be  readily 
seen  and  appreciated. 

Salisburia  adiantifolia  is  the  only  species.  In  the 
United  States  it  appears  to  flourish  best  in  a  rich  fertile  soil, 
rather  dry  than  otherwise.  South  of  Albany  it  is  perfectly 
hardy,  and  may  therefore  be  considered  a  most  valuable  ac- 
quisition to  our  catalogue  of  trees  of  the  first  class.  It  has 
hitherto  been  propagated  chiefly  from  layers  ;  but  cuttings 
of  the  preceding  year's  growth,  planted  early  in  the  spring, 
in  a  fine  sandy  loam,  and  kept  shaded  and  watered,  will 
also  root  without  much  difficulty.  When  the  old  trees  al- 
ready mentioned,  (which  have  doubtless  been  raised  from 
seed,)  begin  to  blossom,  plants  reared  from  them  by  cuttings 
or  grafts,  will,  of  course,  produce  blossoms  and  fruit  much 
more  speedily  than  when  reared  from  the  nut. 


The  American  Cypress  Tree.     Taxodium. 
Nat.  Ord.     ConifersB.  Lin.  Syst.   Moncecia,  Monadelphia. 

The  Southern  or  Deciduous  cypress,  ( Taxodium  disti- 


240  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

chum*)  is  one  of  the  most  majestic,  useful,  and  beautiful  trees 
of  the  southern  part  of  North  America.  Naturally,  it  is 
not  found  growing  north  of  Maryland,  or  the  south  part 
of  Delaware,  but  below  that  boundary  it  becomes  extremely 
multiplied.  The  low  grounds  and  alluvial  soils  subject  to 
inundations,  are  constantly  covered  with  this  tree ;  and  on 
the  banks  of  the  Mississippi,  and  other  great  western  rivers, 
for  more  than  600  miles  from  its  mouth,  those  vast  marshes, 
caused  by  the  periodical  bursting  and  overflowing  of  their 
banks,  are  filled  with  huge  and  almost  endless  growths  of 
this  tree,  called  Cypress  swamps.  Beyond  the  boundaries 
of  the  United  States,  its  geographical  range  extends  to 
Mexico ;  and  Michaux  estimates  that  it  is  found  more  or 
less  abmidantly,  over  a  range  of  country  more  than  3000 
miles  in  extent. 

"  In  the  swamps  of  the  southern  states  and  the  Floridas, 
on  whose  deep  miry  soil  a  new  layer  of  vegetable  mould  is 
deposited  every  year  by  the  floods,  the  Cypress  attains  its 
utmost  development.  The  largest  stocks  are  120  feet  in 
height,  and  from  25  to  40  feet  in  circumference,  above  the 
conical  base,  which  at  the  surface  of  the  earth  is  always 
three  or  four  times  as  large  as  the  continued  diameter  of  the 
trunk;  in  felling  them,  the  negroes  are  obliged  to  raise 
themselves  upon  scaflblds  five  or  six  feet  from  the  ground. 
The  roots  of  the  largest  stocks,  particularly  of  such  as  are 
most  exposed  to  inundation,  are  charged  with  conical  pro- 
tuberances, commonly  from  eighteen  to  twenty-four  inches, 
and  sometimes  four  or  five  feet  in  thickness;  these  are 
always  hollow,  smooth  on  the  surface,  and  covered  with  a 
reddish  bark,  like  the  roots  which  they  resemble  also  in  the 
softness  of  their  wood  ;    they  exhibit  no  sign  of  vegetation, 

*  Cupressus  disticha. 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  241 

and  I  have  never  succeeded  in  obtaining  shoots  by  wound- 
ing their  surface,  and  covering  them  with  earth.  No  cause 
can  be  assigned  for  their  existence :  they  are  peculiar  to  the 
Cypress,  and  begin  to  appear  when  it  is  twenty  or  twenty- 
five  feet  in  height ;  they  are  not  made  use  of,  except  by 
the  negroes  for  bee-hives." 

"  The  foUage  is  open,  light,  and  of  a  fresh,  agreeable  tint ; 
each  leaf  is  four  or  five  inches  long,  and  consists  of  two 
parallel  rows  of  leaflets,  upon  a  common  stem.  The  leaflets 
are  small,  fine,  and  somewhat  arching,  with  the  convex  side 
outwards.  In  the  autumn,  they  change  from  a  light  green 
to  a  dull  red,  and  are  shed  soon  after." 

"  The  Cypress  blooms  in  Carolina,  about  the  first  of 
February.  The  male  and  female  flowers  are  borne  separate- 
ly, by  the  same  tree  ;  the  first  in  flexible  pendulous  aments, 
and  the  second  in  bunches,  scarcely  apparent.  The  cones 
are  about  as  large  as  the  thumb,  hard,  round,  of  an  mieven 
surface,  and  stored  with  small  irregular  ligneous  seeds, 
containing  a  cylindrical  kernel ;  they  are  ripe  in  October, 
and  retain  their  productive  virtue  for  two  years."* 

Such  is  the  account  given  of  the  Cypress  in  its  native  soils. 
In  the  middle  states  it  is  planted  only  as  an  ornamental  tree  ; 
and  while  in  the  south,  its  great  abundance  causes  it  to  be 
neglected  or  disregarded  as  such,  its  rarity  here  allows  us 
fully  to  appreciate  its  beauty.  North  of  the  43^  of  latitude 
it  will  not  probably  stand  the  winter  without  protection ;  but 
south  of  that,  it  will  attain  a  good  size.  The  finest  planted 
specimen  which  we  have  seen,  and  one  which  is  probably 
equal  in  grandeur  to  almost  any  in  their  native  swamps,  is 
growing  in  the  Bartram  Botanic  Garden,  near  Philadelphia. 

*  N.  A.  Sylva,  II.  332. 

31 


242  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

That  garden  was  formed  by  the  father  of  American  botanists, 
John  Bartram,  who  explored  the  southern  and  western  terri- 
tories, then  vast  wilds,  at  the  peril  of  his  life,  to  furnish  the 
savans  and  gardens  of  Europe,  with  the  productions  of  the 
new  world,  and  who  commenced  the  living  collection, 
now  unequalled,  of  American  trees,  in  his  own  garden.  In 
the  lower  part  of  it  stands  the  great  Cyjjress,  a  tree  of  noble 
dimensions,  measuring  at  this  time  130  feet  in  height,  and 
25  in  circumference.  The  tree  was  held  by  Bartram's  son, 
William,  while  his  father  assisted  in  planting  it,  ninety-nine 
years  since.  The  elder  Bartram  at  the  time  expressed  to 
his  son,  the  hope  that  the  latter  might  live  to  see  it  a  large 
tree.  Long  before  he  died  (not  many  years  since,)  it  had 
become  the  prodigy  of  the  garden,  and  great  numbers  from 
the  neighbouring  city  annually  visit  it,  to  admire  its  vast 
size,  and  recline  beneath  its  ample  shade. 

The  foliage  of  the  Cypress  is  peculiar ;  for  while  it  has  a 
resemblance  to  the  Hemlock,  Yew,  and  other  evergreen  trees, 
its  cheerful  bright  green  tint,  and  loose  airy  tufts  of  foliage, 
give  it  a  character  of  great  lightness  and  elegance.  In  young 
trees,  the  form  of  the  head  is  pyramidal  or  pointed ;  but 
when  they  become  old,  Michaux  remarks,  the  head  becomes 
widely  spread,  and  even  depressed,  thus  assuming  a  re- 
markably picturesque  aspect.  This  is  also  heightened  by 
the  deep  furrows  or  channels  in  the  trunk,  and  the  singular 
excrescences  or  knobs  already  described,  which,  jutting  above 
the  surface  of  the  ground,  give  a  strange  ruggedness  to  the 
surface  beneath  the  shadow  of  its  branches.  A  single 
Cypress  standing  alone,  like  that  in  the  Bartram  Garden,  is 
a  grand  object,  uniting  with  the  expression  of  great  elegance 
and  lightness  in  its  foliage,  that  of  magnificence,  when  we 
perceive  its  extraordinary  height,  and  huge  stem  and  branches. 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  243 

In  composition,  the  Cypress  produces  the  happiest  effect, 
when  it  is  planted  with  the  hemlock  and  firs,  which  it  har- 
monizes well  with  in  the  form  of  its  foliage,  while  its  soft 
light  green  hue  is  beautifully  opposed  to  the  richer  and 
darker  tints  of  those  thickly-clad  evergreens.  Wherever 
there  is  a  moist  and  rather  rich  soil,  the  Cypress  may  be 
advantageously  planted ;  for  although  we  have  seen  it  thrive 
well  on  a  fertile  dry  loam,  yet  to  attain  all  its  lofty  propor- 
tions, it  requires  a  soil  where  its  thirsty  roots  can  drink  in  a 
sufficient  supply  of  moisture.  There  its  grov/th  is  quite 
rapid ;  and  although  it  may,  at  first,  suffer  a  little  from  the 
cold  at  the  north,  in  severe  winters,  yet  it  continues  its 
progress,  and  ultimately  becomes  a  stately  tree. 

In  many  parts  of  the  southern  states,  the  timber  of  this 
tree,  which  is  of  excellent  quality,  is  extensively  used  in  the 
construction  of  the  frame  work  and  outer  covering  of  houses. 
It  is  also  esteemed  for  shingles  ;  and  a  large  trade  has  long 
been  carried  on  from  the  south  in  Cypress  shingles.  Posts 
made  of  this  tree  are  found  to  be  very  lasting ;  and  it  is  also 
employed  for  water  pipes,  masts  of  vessels,  etc.  In  the 
north,  its  place  is  supplied  by  the  Pine  timber  ;  but  in  many 
southern  cities,  particularly  New-Orleans,  it  will  be  found  to 
enter  into  the  composition  of  almost  every  building. 

In  the  nurseries,  the  Cypress  is  usually  propagated  from 
the  seed ;  and  as  it  sends  down  strong  roots,  it  should  be 
transplanted  where  it  is  finally  to  grow,  before  it  attains  too 
great  a  development. 

The  European  Cypress,  {Cupressus  sempervirens,)  a 
beautiful  evergreen  tree,  shaped  like  a  small  Lombardy 
poplar,  which  is  the  principal  ornament  of  the  churchyards 
and  cemeteries  abroad,  is  unfortunately  too  tender  to  endure 


244,  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

the  winter  in  any  of  the  states  north  of  Virginia.  South  of 
that  state,  it  may  probably  become  naturalized,  and  serve  to 
add  to  the  catalogue  of  beautiful  indigenous  evergreen  trees. 
From  its  dark  and  sombre  tint,  and  perpetual  verdure,  it 
is  peculiarly  the  emblem  of  grief: 

"  Binde  you  my  brows  with  mourning  Cyparesse, 
And  palish  twigs  of  deadlier  poplar  tree, 
Or  if  some  sadder  shades  ye  can  devise, 
Those  sadder  shades  vaile  my  light-loathing  eyes." 

Bp.  Hall. 


The  Larch  Tree.     Larix. 

^at.  Ord.     Coniferse.  Lin.  Sysi.    Monoecia,  Monadelphia. 

The  Larch  is  a  resinous  cone-bearing  tree,  belonging  to 
the  Pine  family,  but  differing  from  that  genus  in  the  annual 
shedding  of  its  leaves  like  other  deciduous  trees.  In 
Europe,  it  is  a  native  of  the  coldest  parts  of  the  Alps  and 
Appenines ;  and  in  America,  is  indigenous  to  the  most 
northern  parts  of  the  Union,  and  the  Canadas.  The  leaves 
are  collected  in  little  bunches,  and  the  branches  shoot  out 
from  the  main  stem  in  a  horizontal,  or,  more  generally,  in  a 
declining  position. 

For  picturesque  beauty,  the  Larch  is  almost  unrivalled. 
Unlike  most  other  trees  which  must  grow  old,  uncouth,  and 
misshapen,  before  they  can  attain  that  expression,  this  is 
singularly  so,  as  soon  almost  as  it  begins  to  assume  the 
stature  of  a  tree.  In  can  never  be  called  a  beautiful  tree,  so 
far  as  beauty  consists  in  smooth  outlines,  a  finely  rounded 
head,  or  gracefully  drooping  branches.     But  it  has  what  is 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES. 


245 


perhaps  more  valuable,  as  being  more  rare, — the  expression 
of  boldness,  and  picturesqueness,  peculiar  to  itself,  and 
which  it  seems  to  have  caught  from  the  wild  and  rugged 
chasms,  rocks,  and  precipices  of  its  native  mountains- 
There  its  irregular  and  spiry  top,  and  branches,  harmonize 
admirably  with  the  abrupt  variation  of  the  surrounding 
hills,  and  suit  well  the  gloomy  grandeur  of  those  frowning 
heights. 


[Fig.  36.   The  European  Larch.] 


Like  all  highly  expressive  and  characteristic  trees,  much 
more  care  is  necessary  in  introducing  the  Larch  into  artifi- 
ciaFscenery  judiciously,  than  round-headed  trees.  If  planted 
in  abundance,  it  becomes  monotonous,  from  the  similitude  of 


246  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

its  form  in  different  specimens  ;  it  should  therefore  be  intro- 
duced sparingly,  and  always  for  some  special  purpose. 
This  purpose  may  be,  either  to  give  spirit  to  a  group  of 
other  trees,  to  strengthen  the  already  picturesque  character 
of  a  scene,  or  to  give  life  and  variety  to  one  naturally  tame 
and  uninteresting.  All  these  objects  can  be  fully  effected 
by  the  Larch  ;  and  although  it  is  by  far  the  most  suited  to 
harmonize  with,  and  strengthen  the  expression  of  scener  y 
naturally  grand,  or  picturesque,  with  which  it  most  readily 
enters  into  combination,  yet,  in  the  hands  of  taste,  there  can 
be  no  reason  why  so  marked  a  tree  should  not  be  employed 
in  giving  additional  expression  to  scenery  of  a  tamer 
character. 

The  extremely  rapid  growth  of  this  tree  when  planted 
upon  thin,  barren,  and  dry  soils,  is  another  great  merit  which 
it  possesses  as  an  ornamental  tree  ;  and  it  is  also  a  neces- 
sary one  to  enable  it  to  thrive  well  on  those  very  rocky  and 
barren  soils,  where  it  is  most  in  character  with  the  surround- 
ing objects.  It  is  highly  valuable  to  produce  effect  or  shel- 
ter suddenly,  on  portions  of  an  estate,  too  thin  or  meagre  in 
their  soil,  to  afford  the  sustenance  necessary  to  the  growth 
of  many  other  deciduous  trees. 

The  Larch  is  the  great  timber  tree  of  Europe.  Its  wood 
is  remarkably  heavy,  strong,  and  durable,  exceeding  in  all 
those  qualities  the  best  English  oak.  To  these,  it  is  said  to 
add  the  peculiarity  of  being  almost  uninflammable,  and 
resisting  the  influence  of  heat  for  a  long  time.  Vitruvius 
relates  that  when  Caesar  attacked  the  castle  of  Larignum, 
near  the  Alps,  whose  gate  was  commanded  by  a  tower  built 
of  this  wood,  from  the  top  of  which  the  besieged  annoyed 
him  with  their  stones  and  darts,  he  commanded  his  army  to 
surround  it  with  faggots,  and  set  fire  to  the  whole.     When 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  247 

however  all  the  former  was  consumed,  he  was  astonished  to 
find  the  Larch  tower  miinjured.*  The  wood  is  also  recom- 
mended for  the  decks  of  vessels,  and  the  masts  of  ships,  as 
it  is  little  liable  either  to  fly  in  splinters  in  an  engagement, 
or  to  catch  fire  readily. 

In  Great  Britain,  immense  plantations  of  this  tree  are 
made  with  a  view  to  profit ;  and  although  as  yet  nothing 
like  rearing  trees  for  timber  has  been  attempted  here,  never- 
theless the  time  must  come  when  our  attention  will  neces- 
sarily be  turned  in  this  direction.  When  such  is  the  case, 
it  is  probable  that  the  Larch  will  be  found  to  be  as  much 
an  object  of  profit,  on  this  side  of  the  Atlantic,  as  on  the 
other.  Indeed,  we  are  much  inclined  to  believe,  that  thou- 
sands of  acres  of  our  sterile  soils  in  some  districts,  might 
now  be  profitably  planted  with  this  tree. 

In  Scotland,  the  Larch  was  first  introduced  in  the  year 
1738,  when  eleven  plants  were  given  to  the  Duke  of  Athol, 
who  afterwards  struck  by  the  rapidity  of  their  growth,  and 
the  excellency  of  their  timber,  planted  thousands  of  acres 
with  them.  As  a  specimen  of  what  is  done  in  timber 
growing  abroad,  and  the  peculiar  capacity  of  the  Larch  for 
thriving  on  poor  soils,  we  shall  make  some  extracts  from 
the  account  given  of  its  growth  in  Scotland,  by  Sir  T.  D. 
Lauder. 

"  The  late  Duke  of  Athol  planted  large  districts  with  this 
tree,  and  thereby  converted  the  heathy  wastes  into  valuable 
forests  ;  but  this  was  not  the  whole  of  the  improvement  he 
thus  created.  The  Larch  being  a  deciduous  tree,  sheds  upon 
the  earth  so  great  a  shower  of  decayed  spines  every  succeed- 

*  Newton's  Vitruvius,  p.  40. 


248  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

ing  autumn,  that  the  annual  addition  which  is  made  to  the 
soil,  cannot  be  less,  than  from  a  third  of  an  inch  to  half  an 
inch,  according  to  the  magnitude  of  the  trees.  This  we 
have  often  had  opportunities  of  proving,  by  our  remarks 
made  on  the  surfaces  of  newly  cleaned  pleasure  walks. 
The  result  of  planting  a  moor  with  Larches  then,  is,  that 
when  the  trees  have  grown  so  much  as  to  exclude  the  air 
and  moisture  on  the  surface,  the  heath  is  soon  exterminated ; 
and  the  soil  gradually  increasing  by  the  decomposition  of 
the  leaflets  annually  thrown  down  by  the  Larches,  grass 
begins  to  grow  as  the  trees  rise  in  elevation,  so  as  to  allow 
greater  freedom  for  the  circulation  of  the  air  below, — and 
thus,  land  which  was  not  worth  one  shilling  an  acre,  be- 
comes most  valuable  pasture  ;  and  we  can  say  that  our  own 
experience  amply  bears  out  the  fact.  The  Duke  of  Athol 
found  that  the  value  of  the  pasture  in  oak  copses,  was  worth 
five  or  six  shillings  (sterling)  per  acre,  for  eight  years  only, 
in  twenty-four,  when  the  copse  is  cut  down  again.  Under 
a  Scotch  fir  plantation  it  is  not  worth  sixpence  more  per 
acre,  than  it  was  before  it  was  planted ;  under  Beech  and 
Spruce,  it  is  worth  less  than  it  was  before.  But  under 
Larch,  where  the  ground  was  not  worth  one  shilling  per 
acre,  before  it  was  planted,  the  pasture  becomes  worth  from 
eight  to  ten  shillings  an  acre,  after  the  first  thirty  years, 
when  all  the  thinnings  have  been  completed,  and  the  trees 
left  for  naval  purposes,  at  the  rate  of  four  hundred  to  the 
acre,  and  twelve  feet  apart. 

The  Larch  is  a  very  quick  grower.  Between  1740,  and 
1744,  eleven  trees  were  planted  at  Blair,  the  girths  of  which, 
at  growths  from  seventy-three  to  seventy-six  years,  ranged 
from  eight  feet  two  inches,  to  ten  feet.  This  lot  was  calcula- 
ted to  average  one  hundred  feet  each,  in  the  whole,  one 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  249 

thousand  two  hundred  feet.  The  total  measurement  of  this 
lot  of  twenty-two  trees,  therefore,  is  two  thousand  six 
hundred  and  forty-five  feet,  which  at  the  moderate  value 
of  two  shillings  per  foot,  would  give  the  sum  of  £264,  IO5. 
($1174)  for  twenty-two  Larch  trees,  of  something  under 
eighty  years  old.  We  find  by  the  Duke  of  Athol's  tables  of 
measurement,  that  trees  planted  by  him  in  1743,  were  nine 
feet  three  inches  in  circumference,  when  measured  at  four 
feet  from  the  ground,  in  1795. 

The  plantations  of  Larch  made  by  Duke  James  of  Athol, 
between  1733  and  1759,  amounted  to  one  thousand  nine 
hundred  and  twenty-eight  trees.  Of  these,  eight  hundred 
and  seventy-three,  were  cut  down  between  1809  and  1816. 
The  Duke  of  Athol  had  the  satisfaction  to  behold  a  British 
frigate  built  in  1819  and  1820  at  Woolwich  yard,  out  of 
timber  planted  at  Blair  and  Dunkeld,  by  himself  and  the 
Duke  his  predecessor.  And  the  extensive  and  increasing 
Larch  forests  of  those  districts,  may  yet  be  called  upon  largely 
to  supply  both  our  naval  and  mercantile  dock-yards.  Mankind 
are  prone  to  cherish  and  embalm  the  memory  of  individuals 
whose  claims  to  notoriety  have  originated  in  their  wide-spread 
destruction  of  the  human  race ;  but  they  are  too  apt  to  forget 
those  who  have  been  the  benefactors  of  mankind.  That  a 
vessel  formed  from  trees  of  his  introduction  and  planting, 
should  have  waved  the  British  flag  over  the  ocean,  is  likely 
to  be  all  the  reward  contemporaneous  or  posthumous,  which 
will  ever  adhere  to  the  noble  Duke,  for  the  great  good  he  has 
done  to  his  country,  and  for  the  blessed  legacy  he  has  left  to 
his  descendants,  by  the  plantation  of  about  fifteen  thousand 
five  hundred  and  seventy-three  English  acres  of  ground, 
which  consumed  above  twenty-seven  millions,  four  hundred 
and  thirty-one  thousand,  and  six  hundred  trees. 

32 


250  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

The  following  is  the  probable  supply  of  Larch  timber  from 
Athol,  beginning  twelve  years  from  1817. 

Loads  annually.  Scotch  acres  about. 

12  years  before  cutting,  or  in  1829 

12  years  before  cutting,  .     .     1841  4,250 

10    do.                do.  .     .     1851  8,000  ) 

8    do.               do.  .     ,     1859  18,000  [                           2,000 

8    do.               do.  .     .     1867  30,000) 

16    do.                do.  .     .     1883  52,000  > 

3    do.                do.  .     .     1886  120,000^ 


3,000 


69  (  years  calculated  to  finish  }  jggg  jgg  qqq  j  ^qq 

3 1       plants  marked  out.       )  '  ' 

72  years.  Scotch  acres,  7,000 

The  Larch  is  unquestionably  the  most  enduring  timber 
that  we  have.  It  is  remarkable,  that  whilst  the  red  wood  or 
heart  wood  is  not  formed  at  all  in  the  other  resinous  trees, 
till  they  have  lived  for  a  good  many  years,  the  Larch,  on  the 
contrary,  begins  to  make  it  soon  after  it  is  planted ;  and 
while  you  may  fell  a  Scotch  fir  of  thirty  years  old,  and  find 
no  red  wood  in  it.  you  can  hardly  cut  down  a  young  Larch 
large  enough  to  be  a  Avalking  stick,  without  finding  just  such 
a  proportion  of  red  wood  compared  to  its  diameter  as  a  tree, 
as  you  will  find  in  the  largest  Larch  tree  in  tlie  forest,  com- 
pared to  its  diameter.  To  prove  the  value  of  the  Larch  as  a 
timber  tree,  several  experiments  were  made  in  the  river 
Thames.  Posts  of  equal  thickness  and  strength,  some  of 
Larch  and  others  of  oak,  were  driven  down  facing  the  river 
wall,  where  they  were  alternately  covered  with  water  by  the 
effect  of  the  tide,  and  then  left  dry  by  its  fall.  This  species 
of  alternation  is  the  most  trying  of  all  circumstances  for  the 
endurance  of  timber;  and  accordingly  the  oaken  posts 
decayed,  and  were  twice  renewed  in  the  course  of  a  very 
few  years,  while  those  that  were  made  of  the  Larch,  remained 
altogether  unchanged. 

Besides  the  foregoing  species,  [Larix  Europea,)  we  have 
f.wo  native  sorts  much  resembling  it ;    which  are  chiefly 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  251 

found  in  the  states  of  Maine,  Vermont,  and  New-Hampshire. 
These  are  known  by  the  names  of  the  Red  Larch,  {L.  Micro- 
carpa,)  and  the  Black  Larch,  {L.  pendula)  ;  which  latter  is 
often  called  Hackmatack.  In  the  coldest  parts  of  the  Union, 
these  often  grow  to  80  and  100  feet  high ;  but  in  the  middle 
states,  they  are  only  seen  in  the  swamps,  and  appear  not  to 
thrive  so  well  except  in  such  situations.  For  this  reason 
the  European  Larch  is  of  course  greatly  preferable  when 
plantations  are  to  be  made,  either  for  profit  or  ornament. 
The  latter  is  generally  increased  from  seed  in  the  nurseries. 

The  American  larches  are  well  worthy  a  place  where 
sufficient  moistiu:e  can  be  commanded,  as  their  peculiar 
forms  are  striking,  though  not  so  finely  picturesque  as  that 
of  the  European  species. 

In  the  upper  part  of  Massachusetts,  we  have  observed 
them  in  their  native  soils  growing  70  or  80  feet  high,  and 
assuming  a  highly  pleasing  appearance.  Their  foliage  is 
bluish-green,  and  more  delicate  ;  yet  altogether  the  American 
Larch  appears  to  be  more  stiff  and  formal  (except  far  north,) 
than  the  foreign  tree. 


The  Virgilia  Tree.      Vlrgilia* 
Nat.  Ord.    Leguminceae.        Lin.  Syst.     Decandria,  Monogynia. 

This  fine  American  tree,  still  very  rare  in  our  ornamental 
plantations,  is  a  native  of  west  Tennessee,  and  the  banks  of 
the  Kentucky  river,  and  in  its  wild  localities  seems  confined 
to  rather  narrow  limits.  It  was  named,  when  first  dis- 
covered,  after  the  poet  Virgil,  whose  agreeable    Georgics 

*  Cladeastris  tinctoria.     Torrey  and  Gray. 


252  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

have  endeared  him  to  all  lovers  of  nature,  and  a  country 
life. 

The  Virgilia  is  certainly  one  of  the  most  beautiful  of 
all  that  class  of  trees  bearing  papilionaceous,  or  pea-shaped 
flowers,  and  pinnate  leaves,  of  which  the  common  locust  may 
serve  as  a  familiar  example.  It  grows  to  a  fine,  rather  broad 
head,  about  30  or  40  feet  high,  with  dense  and  luxuriant 
foliage — much  more  massy,  and  finely  tufted,  than  thatof  mos^ 
other  pinnated  leaved  trees.  Each  leaf  is  composed  of  seven 
or  eight  leaflets,  three  or  four  inches  long,  and  half  that 
breadth,  the  whole  leaf  being  more  thcin  a  foot  in  length. 
These  expand  rather  late  in  the  spring,  and  are,  about  the 
middle  of  May,  followed  by  numerous  terminal  racemes,  or 
clusters  of  the  most  delicate  and  charming  pea- shaped  blossoms, 
of  a  pure  white.  These  clusters  are  six  or  eight  inches  in 
length,  and  quite  broad,  the  flowers  daintily  formed,  and 
arranged  in  a  much  more  graceful,  loose,  and  easy  manner, 
than  those  of  the  locust.  They  have  a  very  agreeable,  slight 
perfume,  especially  in  the  evening,  and  the  whole  efiect  of 
the  tree,  when  standing  singly  on  a  lawn  and  filled  with 
blossoms,  is  highly  elegant. 

When  the  blossoms  disappear,  they  are  followed  by  the 
pods,  about  the  fourth  of  an  inch  wide,  and  three  or  four 
inches  long,  containing  a  few  seeds.  These  ripen  in  July 
or  August. 

This  tree  is  frequently  called  the  Yellow-wood,  in  its 
native  haunts — its  heart  wood  abounding  in  a  fijie  yellow 
colouring  matter,  which,  however,  is  said  to  be  rather 
difficult  to  fix,  or  render  permanent.  The  bark  is  beauti- 
fully smooth,  and  of  a  greenish  gray  colour.  In  autumn,  the 
leaves,  when  they  die  off,  take  a  lively  yellow  tint. 

This  tree  grows  pretty  rapidly,  and  is  very  agreeable  in  its 


DECIDUOUS    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  253 

form  and  foliage,  even  while  young.  It  commences  flower- 
ing when  about  ten  or  fifteen  feet  high,  and  we  can  recom- 
mend it  with  confidence  to  the  amateur  of  choice  trees  as 
worthy  of  a  conspicuous  place  in  the  smallest  collection. 

The  only  species  known  is  Virgilia  lutea.  It  was  first 
described  by  Michaux,  and  was  sent  to  England,  about  the 
year  1812.  duite  the  finest  planted  specimens  within  our 
knowledge  are  growing  in  some  of  the  old  seats  in  the 
northern  suburbs  of  Philadelphia,  where  there  are  several, 
thirty  or  forty  feet  in  height,  and  exceedingly  beautiful,  both 
in  their  form  and  blossoms.  A  small  specimen  on  our  lawn, 
eighteen  feet  high,  blossoms  now  very  profusely. 


The  Paulownia  Tree.     Paulownia. 
Nat.  Ord.    Scrohpulriacese.  Lin.  Syst.    


The  Paulownia  is  an  entirely  new  ornamental  tree  very 
lately  introduced  into  our  gardens  and  pleasure-grounds 
from  Japan,  and  is  likely  to  prove  hardy  here,  wherever 
the  Ailantus  stands  the  winter,  being  naturally  from  the 
same  soil  and  climate  as  that  tree.  It  has  already  attained  a 
great  notoriety  in  the  gardening  world  of  the  other  conti- 
nent ;  and  from  a  cost  of  four  or  five  guineas  a  plant,  it  is 
now  reduced  to  as  many  shillings,  being  very  readily  pro- 
pagated. In  the  north  of  France,  it  is  perfectly  hardy,  and 
will,  no  doubt,  prove  equally  so  here,  south  of  the  latitude 
of  Boston.  With  our  own  plants  being  newly  received,  we 
have  not  yet  had  the  opportunity  of  testing  this  point. 

The  Paulownia  is  remarkable  for  the  long  size  of  its 
foliage  and  the  great  rapidity  of  its  growth.  The  largest 
leaves  are  more  than  two  feet  in  diameter,  slightly  rough  or 


254  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

hairy,  and  serrated  on  the  edges.  They  are  heart-shaped 
and  have  been  likened  to  those  of  the  Catalpa,  but  they 
perhaps  more  nearly  resemble  those  of  the  common  sun- 
flower. 

In  its  growth,  this  tree,  while  young,  equals  or  exceeds  the 
Ailantus.  In  rich  soils,  near  Paris,  it  has  produced  shoots, 
in  a  single  season,  12  or  14  feet  in  length.  After  being  two 
or  three  years  planted,  it  commences  yielding  its  blossoms 
in  panicled  clusters.  These  are  bluish  lilac,  of  an  open 
mouthed,  tubular  form,  are  very  abundantly  distributed,  and, 
together  with  the  large  foliage,  and  the  robust  habit  of 
growth,  give  this  tree  a  gay  and  striking  appearance.  Its 
flower  buds  open  during  the  last  of  April,  or  early  in  May, 
and  have  a  slight,  syringo-like  perfume. 

The  Paulownia,  though  yet  very  rare,  is  easy  of  propaga- 
tion by  cuttings — and  even  pieces  of  the  roots  grow  freely. 
Should  it  prove  as  hardy  as  (from  our  fine  dry  summers  for 
ripening  its  wood,)  we  confidently  anticipate,  it  will  be  worthy 
of  a  prominent  place  in  every  arrangement  of  choice  orna- 
mental trees. 


EVERGREEN    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  255 


SECTION  V. 

EVERGREEN  ORNAMENTAL  TREES. 

The  History  and  Description  of  all  the  finest  Hardy  Evergreen  Trees.  Remarks  on  their 
EFFECTS  in  Landscape  Gardening,  Individitally  and  in  Composition.  Their  Culti- 
vation, etc.  The  Pines.  The  Firs.  The  Cedar  of  Lebanon,  and  the  Deodar  Cedar.  The 
Red  Cedar.    The  Arbor  Vitse.    The  Holly.    The  Yew,  etc. 

Beneath  the  forest's  skirt  I  rest, 
^Vhose  branching  Pines  rise  dark  and  high, 

And  hear  the  breezes  of  the  West 
Among  the  threaded  foliage  sigh. 

Bryant. 

The  PrNE  Tree.     Pimis. 
Nat.  Ord.     Conifers.         Lin.  Sysl.     Moncecia,  Monadelphia. 


H  E  Pines  compose  by  far  the  most  im- 
portant genus  of  evergreen  trees.  In 
either  continent  they  form  the  densest 
and  most  extensive  forests  known,  and 
their  wood  in  civil  and  naval  architectm*e,  and  for  various 
other  purposes,  is  more  generally  used  than  any  other.  In 
the  United  States  and  the  Canadas,  there  are  ten  species ;  in 
the  territory  west  of  the  Mississippi  to  the  Pacific,  including 
Mexico,  there  are  fourteen ;  in  Europe  fourteen ;  in  Asia, 
eight,  and  in  Africa,  two  species.  All  the  colder  parts  of  the 
old  world — the  mountains  of  Switzerland  and  the  Alps,  the 
shores  of  the  Baltic,  vast  tracts  in  Norway,    Sweden,   Ger- 


256  LANDSCAPE  GARDENING. 

many,  Poland,  and  Russia,  as  well  as  millions  of  acres  in  our 
own  country,  abound  with  immense  and  interminable  forests 
of  Pine.  Capable  of  enduring  extreme  cold,  growing  on 
thin  soils,  and  flourishing  in  an  atmosphere,  the  mean  tem- 
perature of  which  is  not  greater  than  37°  or  38°  Fahrenheit, 
they  are  found  as  far  north  as  latitude  68°  in  Lapland ; 
while  on  mountains  they  grow  at  a  greater  elevation  than 
any  other  aborescent  plant.  On  Mount  Blanc,  the  Pines 
grow  within  2,800  feet  of  the  line  of  perpetual  snow.*  In 
Mexico,  also,  Humboldt  found  them  higher  than  any  other 
tree  ;  and  Lieut.  Glennie  describes  them  as  growing  in  thick 
forests  on  the  mountain  of  Popocotapetl,  as  high  as  12,693 
feet,  beyond  which  altitude  vegetation  ceases  entirely.t 

The  Pines  are,  most  of  them,  trees  of  considerable  mag- 
nitude and  lofty  growth,  varying  from  40  to  150,  or  even 
200  feet  in  height  in  favourable  situations,  rising  with  a 
perpendicular  trunk,  which  is  rarely  divided  into  branches, 
bearing  much  proportionate  size  to  the  main  stem,  as  in 
most  deciduous  trees.  The  branches  are  much  more  hori- 
zontal than  those  of  the  latter  class,  (excepting  the  Larch.) 
The  leaves  are  linear  or  needle-shaped,  and  are  always 
found  arranged  in  little  parcels  of  from  two  to  six,  the  num- 
ber varying  in  the  different  species.  The  blossoms  are 
produced  in  spring,  and  the  seeds,  borne  in  cones,  are  not 
ripened,  in  many  sorts,  until  the  following  autumn.  Every 
part  of  the  stem  abounds  in  a  resinous  juice,  which  is  ex- 
tracted, and  forms  in  the  various  shapes  of  tar,  pitch,  rosin, 
turpentine,  balsam,  etc.,  a  considerable  article  of  trade  and 
export. 

As  ornamental  trees,  the  Pines  are  peculiarly  valuable  for 

*  Edinburgh  Phil.  Journ. 

t  Proc.  Geological  Soc.  Lond.  Arb.  Brit. 


EVERGREEN    ORNAMENTAL    TREES,  257 

the  deep  verdure  of  their  foHage,  which,  unchanged  by  the 
severity  of  the  seasons,  is  beautiful  at  all  periods,  and  espe- 
cially so  in  winter  ;  for  the  picturesque  forms  which  many 
of  them  assume  when  fully  grown  ;  and  for  the  effectual 
shelter  and  protection  which  they  afford  in  cold,  bleak,  and 
exposed  situations.  We  shall  here  particularize  those  spe- 
cies, natives  of  either  hemispheres,  that  are  most  valuable  to 
the  planter,  and  are  also  capable  of  enduring  the  open  air  of 
the  middle  states. 

The  White  Pine,  (P.  strobiis,)  called  also  Sapling  Pine, 
and  Apple  Pine,  in  various  parts  of  this  country,  and  Wey- 
mouth Pine  abroad,  is  undoubtedly  the  most  beautiful  North 
American  tree  of  the  genus.  The  foliage  is  much  lighter  in 
colour,  more  delicate  in  texture,  and  the  whole  tufting  of  the 
leaves  more  airy  and  pleasing  than  that  of  the  other  species. 
It  is  also  beautiful  in  every  stage  of  its  growth,  from  a  young 
plant  to  a  stately  tree  of  150  feet.  When  it  grows  in  strong 
soil,  it  becomes  thick  and  compact  in  its  head ;  but  its  most 
beautiful  form  is  displayed  when  it  stands  in  a  dry  and  gra- 
velly site ;  there  it  shoots  up  with  a  majestic  and  stately 
shaft,  studded  every  six  or  eight  feet  with  horizontal  tiers  of 
branches  and  foliage.  The  hue  of  the  leaves  is  much  paler, 
and  less  sombre  than  that  of  the  other  native  sorts  ;  and  be- 
ing less  stiffly  set  upon  the  branches,  is  more  easily  put  in 
motion  by  the  wind ;  the  murmuring  of  the  wind  among 
the  Pine  tops  is,  poetically,  thought  to  give  out  a  rather 
melancholy  sound : — 

"  The  Pines  of  Moenalus  were  heard  to  mourn, 
And  sounds  of  wo  along  the  grove  were  borne," 

says  Virgil,  speaking  of  the  European  Pine.  But  the  mur- 
mur of  the  slight  breeze  among  the  foliage  of  the  White 

33 


258  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

Pine  gives  out  a  remarkably  soothing  and  agreeable  sound, 
which  agrees  better  with  the  description  of  Leigh  Hunt : 

"  And  then  there  fled  by  me  a  rush  of  air 
That  stirr'd  up  all  the  other  foliage  there, 
Filling  the  solitude  with  panting  tongues, 
At  which  the  Pines  woke  up  into  their  songs, 
Shaking  their  choral  locks." 

Pickering,  one  of  our  own  poets,  thus  characterizes  the 
melody : 

"  The  overshadowing  pines  alone,  through  which  I  roam, 
Their  verdure  keep,  although  it  darker  looks ; 
And  hark  !  as  it  comes  sighing  through  the  grove, 
The  exhausted  gale,  a  spirit  there  awakes. 
That  wild  and  melancholy  music  makes." 

This  species — the  White  Pine — seldom  becomes  flattened 
or  rounded  on  the  summit  in  old  age,  like  many  other  sorts, 
but  preserves  its  graceful  and  tapering  form  entire.  From 
its  pleasing  growth  and  colour,  we  consider  it  by  far  the 
most  desirable  kind  for  planting  in  the  proximity  of  build- 
ings, and  its  growth  for  an  evergreen  is  also  quite  rapid. 

The  leaves  of  the  White  Pine  are  thickly  disposed  on  the 
branches,  in  little  bundles  or  parcels  of  five.  The  cones 
are  about  five  inches  long  ;  they  hang,  when  nearly  ripe,  in 
a  pendulous  manner  from  the  branches,  and  open,  to  shed 
their  seeds,  about  the  first  of  October.  The  bark  on  trees 
less  than  twenty  years  old,  is  remarkably  smooth,  but  be- 
comes cracked  and  rough,  like  that  of  the  other  Pines,  when 
they  grow  old,  although  it  never  splits  and  separates  itself 
from  the  trunk  in  scales,  as  in  other  species. 

The  great  forests  of  White  Pine  lie  in  the  northern  parts 


EVERGREEN    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  259 

of  the  Union  ;  and  the  geographical  range  of  this  tree  is 
comprised  chiefly  between  New- York  and  the  47th  degree  of 
north  latitude,  it  being  neither  capable  of  resisting  the  fierce 
heat  of  the  south,  nor  the  intense  cold  of  the  extreme  north- 
ern regions.  In  Maine,  New-Hampshire,  and  Vermont,  the 
White  Pine  aboimds  in  various  situations,  adapting  itself  to 
every  variety  of  soil,  from  dry,  gravelly  upland,  to  swamps 
constantly  wet.  Michaux  measured  two  trunks  near  the 
river  Kermebec,  one  of  which  was  154  feet  long,  and  54 
inches  in  diameter  ;  the  other  144  feet  long,  and  44  inches 
in  diameter,  at  three  feet  from  the  ground.  Dr.  Dwight 
also  mentions  a  specimen  on  the  Kattskill  249  feet  long 
and  several  on  the  Unadilla  200  feet  long,  and  three  in 
diameter.*  These,  though  they  are  remarkable  specimens, 
show  the  stately  altitude  which  this  fine  species  sometimes 
attains,  equalling  in  majesty  the  grandest  specimens  of  the 
old  world: 


The  rougher  rinded  Pine, 


The  great  Argoan  ship's  brave  ornament, 
Which,  coveting  with  liis  high  top's  extent 
"To  make  the  mountains  touch  the  stars  divine. 
Decks  all  the  forest  with  embellishment. 


Spenser. 


The  Yellow  Pine,  (P.  mitis,)  is  a  fine  evergreen,  usually 
reaching  a  stature  of  50  or  60  feet,  with  a  nearly  uniform 
diameter  of  about  18  inches  for  two-thirds  of  its  length. 
The  branches  generally  take  a  handsome  conical  shape,  and 
the  whole  head  considerably  resembles  that  of  the  spruce, 
whence  it  is  sometimes  called  the  Spruce  Pine.  The  term 
Yellow  Pine  arises  from  the  colour  of  the  wood  as  con- 

*  Dwighl's  Travels,  Vol.  IV.  p.  21—26. 


260 


LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 


trasted  with  that  of  the  foregoing  sort,  which  is  white.  The 
leaves  of  this  species  are  long  and  flexible,  arranged  in  pairs 
upon  the  branches,  and  have  a  fine  dark  green  colour. 
The  cones  are  very  small,  scarcely  measuring  an  inch  and 
a  half  in  length,  and  are  clothed  on  the  exterior  with  short 
spines.    The  growth  is  quite  slow. 

The  Yellow  Pine  is  rarely  found  above  Albany  to  the 
northward,  but  it  extends  as  far  south  as  the  Floridas.  It 
grows  in  the  greatest  abundance  in  New- Jersey,  Maryland, 
and  Virginia,  and  sometimes  measures  five  or  six  feet  in  cir- 
cumference. In  plantations,  it  has  the  valuable  property  to 
recommend  it,  of  growing  on  the  very  poorest  lands. 

The  Pitch  Pine,  (P.  I'igida,)  is  a  very  distinct  sort,  com- 
mon in  the  whole  of  the  United  States  east  of  the  Allegha- 
nies.  It  is  very  stiff  and  formal  in  its  growth  when  young, 
but  as  it  approaches  maturity,  it  becomes  one  of  the  most 
picturesque  trees  of  the  genus.  The  branches,  which  shoot 
out  horizontally,  bend  downwards  at  the  extremities,  and 
the  top  of  the  tree  when  old,  takes  a  flattened  shape.  The 
whole  air  and  expression  of  the  tree  is  wild  and  romantic, 
and  is  harmonious  with  portions  of  scenery  when  these 
characters  predominate.  The  leaves  are  collected  in  threes, 
and  the  colour  of  the  foliage  is  a  dark  green.  The  cones 
are  pyramidal,  from  one  to  three  inches  long,  and  armed 
with  short  spines. 

The  bark  of  this  kind  of  Pine  is  remarkably  rough,  black, 
and  furrowed  even  upon  young  trees  :  and  the  wood  is  filled 
with  resinous  sap,  from  which  pitch  and  tar  are  copiously 
supplied.  The  trees  grow  in  various  parts  of  the  country, 
both  on  the  most  meagre  soils  and  in  moist  swamps,  with 
almost  equal  facility.  In  the  latter  situations  they  are,  how- 
ever, comparatively  destitute  of  resin,  but  the  stems  often 
rise  to  80  feet  in  elevation. 


EVERGREEN    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  261 

The  foregoing  are  the  finest  and  most  important  species 
of  the  north.  The  Red  Pine,  {Plmis  rubra,)  and  the  Gray 
Pine,  are  species  of  small  or  secondary  size,  chiefly  indige- 
nous to  British  America.  The  Jersey  Pine,  (P.  inops,)  is  a 
dwarfish  species,  often  called  the  Scrub  Pine,  which  seldom 
grows  more  than  25  feet  high. 

There  are  some  splendid  species,  that  are  confined  to 
the  southern  states,  where  they  grow  in  great  luxuriance. 
Among  the  most  interesting  of  these,  is  the  Long-leaved 
Pine,  (P.  mist  rails,)  a  tree  of  70  feet  elevation,  with  superb 
wandlike  foliage,  borne  in  threes,  often  nearly  a  foot  in 
length.  The  cones  are  also  seven  or  eight  inches  long, 
containing  a  kernel  or  seed  of  agreeable  flavour.  As  this 
tree  grows  as  far  north  as  Norfolk  in  Virginia,  we  are 
strongly  inclined  to  believe  that  it  might  be  naturalized  in 
the  climate  of  the  middle  states,  and  think  it  would  become 
one  of  the  most  valuable  additions  to  our  catalogue  of  ever- 
green trees.  The  Loblolly  Pine,  (P.  Tceda,)  of  Virginia, 
has  also  fine  foliage,  six  inches  or  more  in  length,  and 
grows  to  80  feet  in  height.  Besides  these  already  named, 
the  southern  states  produce  the  Pond  Pine,  (P.  serotina,) 
which  resembles  considerably  the  Pitch  Pine,  with,  how- 
ever, longer  leaves,  and  the  Table  Mountain  Pine,  (P.  Pun- 
gens,)  which  grows  40  or  50  feet  high,  and  is  found  exclu- 
sively upon  that  part  of  the  Alleghany  range. 

We  must  not  forget  in  this  enumeration  of  the  Pines  of 
North  America,  the  magnificent  species  of  California  and 
the  north-west  coast.  The  most  splendid  of  these  was 
discovered  in  Northern  California,  and  named  the  Finns 
Lamhertiana,  in  honour  of  that  distinguished  botanist,  A. 
B.  Lambert,  Esq.,  of  London,  the  author  of  a  superb  work 
on  this  genus  of  trees.     It  is  undoubtedly  one  of  the  finest 


262  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING, 

evergreens  in  the  world,  averaging  from  100  to  200  feet  in 
height.  Its  discoverer,  Mr.  Douglass,  the  indefatigable 
collector  of  the  Horticultural  Society  of  London^  measured 
one  of  these  trees  that  had  blown  down,  which  was  two 
hundred  and  fifteen  feet  in  length,  and  fifty-seven  feet  nine 
inches  in  circumference,  at  three  feet  from  the  root,  while 
at  one  hundred  and  thirty-four  feet  from  the  rooty  it  was 
seventeen  feet  five  inches  in  girth.  This,  it  is  stated,  is  by 
no  means  the  maximum  height  of  the  species.  The  cones 
of  the  Lambert  Pine  measure  sixteen  inches  in  length  ;  and 
the  seeds  are  eaten  by  the  natives  of  those  regions,  either 
roasted  or  made  into  cakes,  after  being  pounded.  The  other 
species  found  by  Mr.  Douglass,  grow  naturally  in  the 
mountain  valleys  of  the  western  coast,  and  several  of  them, 
as  the  Pinus  graridis,  and  7iohilis,  are  almost  as  lofty  as 
the  foregoing  sort ;  while  Pinus  monticola  and  P.  Sahi- 
niajia,  are  highly  beautiful  in  their  forms,  and  elegant  in 
foliage.  The  seeds  of  nearly  all  these  sorts  were  first  sent 
to  the  garden  of  the  London  Horticultural  Society,  where 
many  of  the  young  trees  are  now  growing  ;  and  we  hope 
that  they  will  soon  be  introduced  into  our  plantations, 
which  they  are  so  admirably  calculated,  by  their  elegant 
foliage  and  stupendous  magnitude,  to  adorn. 

The  European  Pines  next  deserve  our  attention.  The 
most  common  species  in  the  north  of  Europe  is  the  Scotch 
Pine,  (P.  sylvestrisj)  a  dark,  tall  evergreen  tree,  with  bluish 
foliage,  of  80  feet  in  height,  which  furnishes  most  of  the 
deal  timber  of  Europe.  It  is  one  of  the  most  rapid  of  all  the 
Pines  in  its  growth,  even  on  poor  soils,  and  is,  therefore, 
valuable  in  new  places.  The  Stone  Pine,  (P.  jnnea,)  is  a 
native  of  the  South  of  Europe,  where  it  is  decidedly  the 
most  picturesque  evergreen  tree  of  that  continent.  It  belongs 
peculiarly  to  Italy,   and  its  "  vast  canopy,   supported  on  a 


EVERGREEN    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  263 

naked  column  of  great  height,  forms  one  of  the  chief  and 
peeuHar  beauties  in  Itahan  scenery,  and  in  the  hving  land- 
scapes of  Claude."  We  regret  that  it  is  too  tender  to  bear 
our  winters,  but  its  place  may  in  a  great  measure  be  supplied 
by  the  Pinaster  or  Cluster  Pine,  (P.  pinaster^)  which  is 
quite  hardy,  and  succeeds  well  in  the  United  States.  This 
has  much  of  the  same  picturesque  expression ;  depressed 
or  rounded  head,  and  tall  columnar  stem,  which  mark  the 
Stone  Pine ;  while  its  thickly  massed  foliage,  clustering 
cones,  and  rough  bark,  render  it  distinct  and  strikingly  in- 
teresting. 

The  Corsican  Pine,  (P.  lai'ico,)  is  a  handsome,  regular 
shaped,  pyramidal  tree,  with  the  branches  disposed  in  tiers 
like  those  of  the  White  Pine.  It  grows  to  a  large  size,  and 
is  valued  for  its  extremely  dark  green  foliage,  thickly  spread 
upon  the  branches.  It  is  also  one  of  the  most  rapid  growers 
among  the  foreign  sorts,  and  has  been  found  to  grow  remark- 
ably well  upon  the  barren  chalk  downs  of  England.  Pimis 
cemhra  is  a  very  slow  growing,  though  valuable  kind,  indi- 
genous to  Switzerland,  and  hardy  here. 

These  are  the  principal  European  species  that  deserve 
notice  here,  for  their  ornamental  qualities.  Some  splendid 
additions  have  been  made  to  this  genus,  by  the  discovery  of 
new  species  on  the  Himraalya  mountains  of  Asia ;  and  from 
the  great  elevation  at  which  they  are  found  growing  wild, 
we  have  reason  to  hope  that  they  will  become  naturalized  in 
our  climate. 

We  must  not  leave  this  extensive  of  family  trees,  without 
adverting  to  their  numerous  and  important  uses.  In  the 
United  States,  full  four-fifths  of  all  the  houses  built,  are  con- 
structed of  the  White  and  Yellow  Pine,  chiefly  of  the  former. 
Soft,  easily  worked,  light  and  fine  in  texture,  it  is  almost 
universally  employed  in  carpentry,  and  for  all  the  purposes 


264  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

of  civil  architecture;  while  the  tall  stately  trunks,  furnish 
masts  and  spars,  not  only  for  our  own  vessels,  but  many  of 
those  of  England.  A  great  commerce  is  therefore  carried 
on  in  the  timber  of  this  tree,  and  vast  quantities  of  the  boards, 
etc.  are  annually  exported  to  Europe.  The  Yellow  and 
Pitch  Pine,  furnish  much  of  the  enormous  supplies  of  fuel 
consumed  by  the  great  number  of  steamboats  employed  in 
navigating  our  numerous  inland  rivers.  The  Long-leaved 
Pine  is  the  great  timber  tree  of  the  southern  states ;  and 
when  we  take  into  account  all  its  various  products,  we 
must  admit  it  to  be  the  most  valuable  tree  of  the  whole 
family.  The  consumption  of  the  wood  of  this  tree  in  build- 
ing, in  the  southern  states,  is  immense  ;  and  its  sapTurnishes 
nearly  all  the  turpentine,  tar,  pitch,  and  rosin,  used  in  this 
country,  or  exported  to  Europe.  The  turpentine  flows  from 
large  incisions  made  in  the  trunk,  (into  boxes  fastened  to 
the  side  of  the  trees  for  that  purpose,)  during  the  whole  of 
the  spring  and  summer.  Spirit  of  turpentine  is  obtained 
from  this  by  distillation.  Tar  is  procured  by  burning  the 
dead  wood  in  kilns,  when  it  flows  out  in  a  current  from  a 
conduit  made  in  the  bottom.  Pitch  is  prepared  by  boiling 
tar  until  it  is  about  one  half  diminished  in  bulk  ;  and  rosin 
is  the  residuum  of  the  distillation,  when  spirit  of  turpentine 
is  made.  The  Carolinas  produce  all  these  in  the  greatest 
abundancCj  and  so  long  ago  as  in  1807,  the  exportation  of 
them  to  England  alone,  amounted  to  nearly  $800,000  in  that 
single  year. 


The  Fir  Trees.      Abies. 

Nat.  Ord.  ConiferjE.  Lin.  Syst.    Monoecia,  Monadelphia. 

The  Fir  trees  differ  from  the  Pines,  to  which  they  are 
nearly  related,  in  having  much  shorter  leaves,  which  are 


EVERCxREEN    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  265 

placed  singly  upon  the  branches,  instead  of  bemg  collected 
in  little  bundles  or  parcels  of  two,  three,  or  five,  as  is  the  case 
in  all  Pines.  They  generally  grow  in  a  more  conical  man- 
ner than  the  latter,  and  in  ornamental  plantations  owe  their 
beauty  in  most  cases,  more  to  their  symmetrical  regularity 
of  growth,  than  to  picturesque  expression. 

The  Balsam,  or  Balm  of  Gilead  Fir,  {A.  balsamea,)  some- 
times also  called  the  American  Silver  Fir,  is  one  of  the  most 
ornamental  of  our  native  evergreens.  It  is  found  most  abun- 
dantly in  Maine,  and  Nova  Scotia,  but  is  scattered  more  or 
less  on  the  mountain  tops,  and  in  cold  swamps,  through 
various  other  parts  of  the  Union.  At  Pine  Orchard,  near  the 
Catskill  Mountain-house,  it  flourishes  well,  though  not  seen 
below  the  elevation  of  1,800  feet.  "When  standing  singly,  it 
forms  a  perfect  pyramid  of  fine  dark  green  foliage,  30  or  40 
feet  high,  regularly  clothed  from  the  bottom  to  the  top.  The 
leaves,  about  half  or  three-fourths  of  an  inch  long,  are  silvery 
white  on  the  under  surface,  though  dark  green  above ;  and  are 
inserted  both  on  the  sides  and  top  of  the  branches.  It  is  one 
of  the  most  beautiful  evergreens  for  planting  in  groimds  near 
the  house,  and  is  perhaps  more  cultivated  for  that  purpose, 
than  any  other  in  the  Union.  The  cones,  which  are  four 
or  five  inches  long,  like  those  of  the  European  Silver  Fir 
point  upwards.  However  small  the  plants  of  this  Fir  may 
may  be,  they  are  still  interesting,  as  they  display  the  same 
symmetry  as  full  grown  trees.  The  deep  green  colour  of  the 
verdure  of  the  Balm  of  Gilead  Fir  is  retained  unchanged  in 
all  its  beauty  through  the  severest  winters,  which  causes  it 
to  contrast  agreeably  with  the  paler  tints  of  the  Spruces. 
On  the  trimk  of  trees  of  this  species,  are  found  small  vesicles 
or  blisters,  filled  with  a  liquid  resin,  which  is  extracted  and 

34 


266  LANDSCAPE  GARDENING. 

sold,  under  the  name  of  Balm  of  Gilead  *  for  its  medicinal 
virtues. 

The  European  Silver  Fir,  {A.  picea,)  strongly  resembles, 
when  young,  the  Balsam  Fir.  But  its  leaves  are  longer  and 
coarser,  and  the  cones  are  much  larger,  while  it  also  attains 
twice  or  three  times  the  size  of  the  latter.  In  the  forests  of 
Germany ^^  it  sometimes  rises  over  100  feet ;  and  it  always 
becomes  a  large  tree  in  a  favourable  soil.  It  grows  slowly 
during  the  first  twenty  years,  but  afterwards  it  advances  with 
much  more  rapidity.  It  thrives  well,  and  is  quite  hardy  in 
this  country. 

The  Norway  Spruce  Fir,  {A.  commu7iis,'\)  is  by  far  the 
handsomest  of  that  division  of  the  Firs  called  the  Spruces. 
It  generally  rises  with  a  perfectly  straight  trunk  to  the  height 
of  from  80  to  150  feet.  It  is  a  native,  as  its  name  denotes, 
of  the  colder  parts  of  Europe,  and  consequently  grows  well 
in  the  northern  states.  The  branches  hang  down  with  a 
fine  graceful  curve,  or  sweep;  and  although  the  leaves  are 
much  paler  than  those  of  the  foregoing  kinds,  yet  the  thick 
fringe-like  tufts  of  foliage,  which  clothe  the  branches,  give 
the  whole  tree  a  rich,  dark  appearance.  The  large  cones,  too, 
always  nearly  six  inches  long,  are  beautifully  pendant,  and 
greatly  increase  the  beauty  of  an  old  tree  of  this  kind. 

The  Norway  Spruce  is  the  great  tree  of  the  Alps  ;  and  as 
a  park  tree,  to  stand  alone,  we  scarcely  know  a  more  beau- 
tiful one.  It  then  generally  branches  out  quite  down  to  the 
ground  ;  and  its  fine,  sweeping,  feathery  branches  hang  down 
in  the  most  graceful  and  pleasing  manner.     There  are  some 


4 
*  The  true  Balm  of  Gilead  is  an  Asiatic  herb,  Amyris  gUeadensxs. 

t  Abies  exelsa. 


EVERGREEN    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  267 

superb  specimens  of  this  species  in  various  gardens  of  the 
middle  states,  80  or  100  feet  high. 

The  Black,  or  Double  Spruce,  {A.  iiigra,)  sometimes  also 
called  the  Red  Spruce,  is  very  common  in  the  north ;  and, 
according  to  Michaux,  forms  a  third  part  of  the  forests  of 
Vermont,  Maine,  New-Hampshire,  as  well  as  New  Brunswick 
and  Lower  Canada.  The  leaves  are  quite  short  and  stiif, 
and  clothe  the  young  branches  around  the  whole  surface  ; 
and  the  whole  tree,  where  it  much  abounds,  has  rather  a 
gloomy  aspect.  In  the  favourable  humid  black  soils  of  those 
countries,  the  Black  Spruce  grows  70  feet  high,  forming  a 
fine  tall  pyramid  of  verdure.  But  it  is  rarely  found  in 
abundance  farther  south,  except  in  swamps,  where  its  growth 
is  much  less  strong  and  vigorous.  Mingled  with  other  ever- 
greens, it  adds  to  the  variety,  and  the  peculiar  colouring  of 
its  foliage  gives  value  to  the  livelier  tints  of  other  species  of 
Pine  and  Fir. 

The  White  or  Single  Spruce,  {A.  alba,)  is  a  smaller  and 
less  common  tree  than  the  foregoing,  though  it  is  often 
found  in  the  same  situations.  The  leaves  are  more  thinly 
arranged  on  the  young  shoots,  and  they  are  longer  and  pro- 
ject more  from  the  branches.  The  colour,  however,  is  a 
distinguishing  characteristic  between  the  two  sorts ;  for 
while  in  the  Black  Spruce  it  is  very  dark,  in  this  species 
it  is  of  a  light  bluish  green  tint.  The  cones  are  also  much 
larger  on  the  White  Spruce  tree. 

The  Hemlock  Spruce,  or,  as  it  is  more  commonly  called, 
the  Hemlock,  {A.  canadensis,)  is  one  of  the  finest  and  most 
distinct  of  this  tribe  of  trees.  It  is  most  abundantly  multi- 
plied in  the  extreme  northern  portions  of  the  Union  ;  and 
abounds  more  or  less,   in  scattered   groups  and   thickets, 


268  LANDSCAPE  GARDENING. 

throughout  all  the  middle  states,  while  at  the  south  it  is 
confined  chiefly  to  the  mountains. 

It  prefers  a  soil,  which,  though  slightly  moist,  is  less 
humid  than  that  where  the  Black  Spruce  succeeds  best ; 
and  it  thrives  well  in  the  deep  cool  shades  of  mountain  val- 
leys. In  the  Highlands  of  the  Hudson,  it  grows  in  great 
luxuriance  ;  and  in  one  locality,  the  sides  of  a  valley  near 
Cro'nest,  the  surface  is  covered  with  the  most  superb 
growths  of  this  tree,  reaching  up  from  the  water's  edge  to 
the  very  summit  of  the  hill,  1,400  feet  high,  like  a  rich  and 
shadowy  mantle,  sprinkled  here  and  there  only  with  the 
lighter  and  more  delicate  foliage  of  deciduous  trees. 

The  average  height  of  the  Hemlock  in  good  soils  is  about 
70  or  80  feet ;  and  when  standing  alone,  or  in  very  small 
groups,  it  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  coniferous  trees. 
The  leaves  are  disposed  in  two  rows  on  each  side  of  the 
branches,  and  considerably  resemble  those  of  the  Yew, 
though  looser  in  texture,  and  livelier  in  colour.  The  fo- 
liage, when  the  tree  has  grown  to  some  height,  hangs  from 
the  branches  in  loose  pendulous  tufts,  which  give  it  a 
peculiarly  graceful  appearance.  When  young,  the  form  of 
the  head  is  regularly  pyramidal ;  but  when  the  tree  attains 
more  age,  it  often  assumes  very  irregular  and  picturesque 
forms.  Sometimes  it  grows  up  in  a  thick,  dense,  dark  mass 
of  foliage,  only  varied  by  the  pendulous  branches,  which 
project  beyond  the  grand  mass  of  the  tree  ;  at  others  it  forms 
a  loose,  airy,  and  graceful  top,  permeable  to  the  slightest 
breeze,  and  waving  its  loose  tufts  of  leaves  to  every  passing 
breath  of  air.  In  almost  all  cases,  it  is  extremely  orna- 
mental, and  we  regret  that  it  is  not  more  generally  employed 
in  decorating  the  grounds  of  our  residences.  It  should  be 
transplanted  (like  all  of  this  class  of  trees,)  quite  early  in 


EVERGREEN    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  269 

the  spring,  the  roots  being  preserved  as  nearly  entire  as 
possible,  and  not  suffered  to  become  the  least  dried,  before 
they  are  replaced  in  the  soil. 

The  uses  of  the  Fir  tree  are  important.  The  Norway 
Spruce  Fir  furnishes  the  white  deal  timber  so  extensively 
employed  in  Europe  for  all  the  various  purposes  of  build- 
ing ;  and  its  tall,  tapering  stems  afford  fine  masts  for  vessels. 
The  Black  Spruce  timber  is  also  highly  valuable,  and  is 
thought  by  many  persons  to  surpass  in  excellence  that  of 
the  Norway  Spruce.  The  young  shoots  also  enter  into  the 
composition  of  the  celebrated  Spruce  beer  of  this  country, 
a  delightful  and  very  healthful  beverage.  And  the  Hem- 
lock not  only  furnishes  a  vast  quantity  of  the  joists  used  in 
building  frame-houses,  but  supplies  the  tanners  with  an 
abundance  of  bark,  which,  when  mixed  with  that  of  the 
oak,  is  highly  esteemed  in  the  preparation  of  leather. 

We  regret  that  the  fine  evergreen  trees  both  £>f  this  coun- 
try and  Europe,  which  compose  the  Pine  and  Fir  tribes, 
have  not  hitherto  received  more  of  the  attention  of  planters. 
It  is  inexpressible  how  much  they  add  to  the  beauty  of  a 
country  residence  in  winter.  At  that  season,  when,  during 
three  or  four  months  the  landscape  is  bleak  and  covered 
with  snow,  these  noble  trees,  properly  intermingled  with  the 
groups  in  view  from  the  window,  or  those  surrounding  the 
house,  give  an  appearance  of  verdure  and  life  to  the  scene 
which  cheats  winter  of  half  its  dreariness.  In  exposed 
quarters,  also,  and  in  all  windy  and  bleak  situations,  groups 
of  evergreens  form  the  most  effectual  shelter  at  all  seasons 
of  the  year,  while  many  of  them  have  the  great  additional 
recommendation  of  growing  upon  the  most  meagre  soils. 


270  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

In  fine  country  residences  abroad,  is  is  becoming  custom- 
ary to  select  some  extensive  and  suitable  locality,  where  all 
the  species  of  Pines  and  Firs  are  collected  together,  and  al- 
lowed to  develop  themselves  in  their  full  beauty  of  propor- 
tion. Such  a  spot  is  called  a  Pinetum  ;  and  the  effect  of 
all  the  different  species  growing  in  the  same  assemblage,  and 
contrasting  their  various  forms,  heights,  and  peculiarities, 
cannot  but  be  strikingly  elegant.  One  of  the  largest  and 
oldest  collections  of  this  kind  is  the  Pinetum  of  Lord  Gren- 
ville,  at  Dropmore,  near  Windsor,  England.  This  contains 
nearly  100  kinds,  comprising  all  the  sorts  known  to  English 
botanists,  that  will  endure  the  open  air  of  their  mild  climate. 
The  great  advantage  of  these  Pinetums  is,  that  many  of  the 
more  delicate  species,  which  if  exposed  singly  would  perish, 
thrive  well,  and  become  quite  naturalized  under  the  shelter 
of  the  more  hardy  and  vigorous  sorts. 


The  Cedar  of  Lebanon  Tree.     Cedrus. 

Nal,  Ord.     Coniferae.  Lin.  Syst.     Moncecia,  Monadelphia. 

The  Cedar  of  Lebanon  is  universally  admitted  by  Euro- 
pean authors  to  be  the  noblest  evergreen  tree  of  the  old 
world.  Its  native  sites  are  the  elevated  valleys  and  ridges 
of  Mount  Lebanon  and  the  neighbouring  heights  of  the  lofty 
groups  of  Asia  Minor.  There  it  once  covered  immense  for- 
ests, but  it  is  supposed  these  have  never  recovered  from  the 
inroads  made  upon  them  by  the  forty  score  thousand  hewers 
employed  by  Solomon  to  procure  the  timber  for  the  erection 
of  the  Temple.     Modern  travellers  speak  of  them  as  greatly 


EVERGREEN    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  271 

diminished  in  number,  though  there  are  still  specimens  mea- 
suring thirty-six  feet  in  circumference.  Mount  Lebanon  is 
inhabited  by  numerous  Maronite  Christians,  who  hold  an- 
nually a  celebration  of  the  Transfiguration  under  the 
shade  of  the  existing  trees,  which  they  call  the  "  Feast  of 
Cedars." 

The  Cedar  of  Lebanon  is  nearly  related  to  the  Larch,  hav  - 
ing  its  leaves  collected  in  parcels  like  that  tree,  but  differs 
widely  in  the  circumstance  of  its  foliage  being  evergreen. 
It  is  remarkable  for  the  wide  extension  of  its  branches,  and 
the  immense  surface  covered  by  its  overshadowing  canopy 
of  foliage.  In  the  sacred  writings  it  is  often  alluded  to  as  an 
emblem  of  great  strength,  beauty,  and  duration.  "  Behold 
the  Assyrian  was  a  Cedar  in  Lebanon,  with  fair  branches, 
and  with  a  shadowing  shroud,  and  of  an  high  stature  ;  and 
his  top  was  among  the  thick  boughs.  His  boughs  were 
multiplied,  and  his  branches  became  long.  The  fir  trees 
were  not  like  his  boughs,  nor  the  chestnut  trees  like  his 
branches,  nor  any  tree  in  the  garden  of  God  like  unto  him 
in  beauty."* 

In  England  the  Cedar  of  Lebanon  appears  to  have  become 
quite  naturalized.  There  it  is  considered  by  far  the  most 
ornamental  of  all  the  Pine  tribe, — possessing,  when  full 
grown,  an  air  of  dignity  and  grandeur  beyond  any  other  tree. 
To  attain  the  fullest  beauty  of  development,  it  should  always 
stand  alone,  so  that  its  far-spreading  horizontal  branches  can 
have  full  room  to  stretch  out  and  expand  themselves  on 
every  side.  Loudon  in  his  Arboretum,  gives  a  representa- 
tion of  a  superb  specimen  now  growing  at  Syon  House,  the 

Ezekiel,  xxxi. 


272 


LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 


seat  of  the  Duke  of  Northumberland,  which  is  72  feet  high, 
24  in  circumference,  and  covers  an  area,  with  its  huge  de- 
pending branches,  of  117  feet.  There  are  many  other 
Cedars  in  England  almost  equal  to  this  in  grandeur.  Sir  T. 
D.  Lauder  gives  an  account  of  one  at  Whitton,  which  blew 
down  in  1779 :  it  then  measured  70  feet  in  height,  16  feet  in 
circumference,  and  covered  an  area  of  100  feet  in  diameter. 
To  show  the  rapidity  of  the  growth  of  this  tree,  he  quotes 
three  Cedars  of  Lebanon,  which  were  planted  at  Hopetoun 
House,  Scoltand,  in  the  year  1748.  The  measurement  is  the 
circumference  of  the  trimks,  and  shows  the  rapid  increase 
after  they  have  attained  a  large  size. 


1801. 

1320. 

1825. 

1833. 

ft.  in. 

10  0 

8  6 

7  10 

ft.  in. 

13  1^ 

10  9| 

9  9i 

ft.  in. 
14  0 
11  4 
10  8 

ft.  in. 
15  I 
12  3 
11  6 

Increase  in 
32  years. 


First  Cedar, 
Second  do. 
Third      do. 


ft. 
5 
3 
3 


A  Chestnut  measured  at  the  same  periods,  only  increased  2 


in. 
1 
9 

8 


From  the  above  table,  it  will  be  seen  ho\V'  congenial  even 
the  cold  climate  of  Scotland  is  to  the  growth  of  this  tree. 
Indeed  in  its  native  soils,  the  tops  of  the  surrounding  hills 
are  almost  perpetually  covered  with  snow,  and  it  is  there- 
fore, one  of  the  very  hardiest  of  the  evergreens  of  the  old 
world.  There  is  no  reason  why  it  should  not  succeed  ad- 
mirably in  many  parts  of  the  United  States  ;  and  when  we 
consider  its  great  size,  fine  dark  green  foliage,  and  wide 
spreading  limbs  which 


-Overarching,  frame, 


Most  solemn  domes  within." 


Shelley. 


as  well  as  the  many  interesting  associations  connected  with 


EVERGREEN  ORNAMENTAL  TREES.         273 

it,  we  cannot  but  think  it  better  worth  our  early  attention' 
and  extensive  introduction,  than  almost  any  other  foreign 
tree.  Evergreens  are  comparatively  difficult  to  import,  and 
as  we  have  made  the  experiment  of  importing  Cedars  of 
Lebanon  from  the  English  nurseries  with  but  indifferent 
success,  we  would  advise  that  persons  attempting  its  cultiva- 
tion, should  procure  the  cones  containing  the  seeds  from 
England,  when  they  may  be  reared  directly  in  our  own  soil, 
which  will  of  course  be  an  additional  advantage  to  the  future 
growth  of  the  tree.* 

The  situations  found  to  be  most  favourable  to  this  Cedar, 
in  the  parks  and  gardens  of  Europe,  are  sandy  or  gravelly 
soils,  either  with  a  moist  subsoil  underneath,  or  in  the 
neighbourhood  of  springs,  or  bodies  of  water.  In  such  places 
it  is  found  to  advance  with  a  rapidity  equal  to  the  Larch, 
one  of  the  fastest  growing  timber  trees,  as  we  have  already 
noticed. 

The  Deodara,  or  Indian  Cedar,  {Cedrus  Deodar a^)  is  a 
magnificent  species  of  this  tree,  recently  introduced  from 
the  high  mountains  of  Nepal  and  Indo-Tartary.  It  stands 
the  climate  of  Scotland,  and  appears  likely  to  succeed  here 
wherever  the  Cedar  of  Lebanon  will  flourish.  In  its  native 
country  it  is  described  as  being  a  lofty  and  majestic  tree, 
frequently  attaining  the  height  of  150  feet,  with  a  trunk  30 
feet  in  circumference.  The  leaves  are  larger  than  those  of 
the  Cedar  of  Lebanon,  of  a  deeper  bluish  green,  covered 
with  a  silvery  bloom ;  the  cones,  borne  in  pairs,  are  of  a 
reddish  brown  colour,  and  are  both  longer  and  broader  than 
those  of  the  latter  species.     In  some  parts  of  upper  India  it 

*  The  finest  Cedar  of  Lebanon  in  the  Union,  is  growing  in  the  grounds  of  T. 
Ash,  Esq.,  of  Westchester  Co.,  N.  Y.,  being  50  feet  high  and  of  corresponding 
breadth.    It  stands  near  a  Purple-leaved  Beech,  equally  large  and  beautiful. 

35 


274 


LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 


is  considered  a  sacred  tree,  {Deodara — tree  of  God,)  and  is 
only  used  to  burn  as  incense  in  days  of  high  ceremony  ; 
but  in  others  it  is  held  in  the  highest  esteem  as  a  timber 
tree,  having  all  the  good  qualities  of  the  Cedar  of  Lebanon 
— its  great  durability  being  attested  by  its  sound  state  in 
the  roofs  of  temples  of  that  country,  which  cannot  have 
been  built  less  than  200  years. 

We  have  but  just  introduced  the  Deodara  into  the  United 
States,  and  can  therefore  say  little  of  its  growth  or  beauty 
here,  though  we  have  little  doubt  that  it  will  prove  one  of 
the  noblest  evergreen  trees  for  our  pleasure  grounds.  Lou- 
don says,  "  the  specimens  in  England  are  yet  small ;  but 
the  feathery  lightness  of  its  spreading  branches,  and  the 
beautiful  glaucous  hue  of  its  leaves,  render  it,  even  when 
young,  one  of  the  most  ornamental  of  the  coniferous  trees  ; 
and  all  the  travellers  who  have  seen  it  full  grown,  agree 
that  it  unites  an  extraordinary  degree  of  majesty  and  gran- 
deur with  its  beauty.  The  tree  thrives  in  every  part  of 
Great  Britain  where  it  has  been  tried,  even  as  far  north  as 
Aberdeen  ;  where,  as  in  many  other  places,  it  is  fomid 
hardier  than  the  Cedar  of  Lebanon.  It  is  readily  propaga- 
ted by  seeds,  which  preserve  their  vitality  when  imported 
in  the  cones.  It  also  grows  freely  by  cuttings,  which  appear 
to  make  as  handsome  free-growing  plants  as  those  raised 
from  seed."  The  soil  and  culture  for  this  tree  are  precisely 
those  for  the  Cedar  bf  Lebanon. 


The  Red  Cedar  Tree.     Jimiperns. 

Nat.  Ord.     Coniferae.  Lin.  Syst.    DicBcia,  Monadelphia. 

The  Red-  Cedar  is  a  very  common  tree,  indigenous  to  this 
country,  and  growing  in  considerable  abundance  from  Maine 


EVERGREEN    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  275 

to  Florida ;  but  thriving  with  the  greatest  luxuriance  in  the 
sea-board  states.  "When  fully  grown,  the  Red  Cedar  is  about 
40  feet  in  height,  and  little  more  than  a  foot  in  diameter. 
The  leaves  are  very  small,  composed  of  minute  scales,  and 
lie  pretty  close  to  the  branches.  Small  blue  berries,  borne 
thickly  upon  the  branches  of  the  female  trees  in  autumn 
and  winter,  contain  the  seeds.  These  are  covered  with  a 
whitish  exudation,  and  are  sometimes  used,  like  those  of  the 
foreign  juniper,  in  the  manufacture  of  gin. 

The  Red  Cedar  has  less  to  recommend  it  to  the  eye  than 
most  of  the  evergreens,  which  we  have  already  described. 
The  colour  of  the  foliage  is  dull  and  dingy  at  many  seasons, 
and  the  form  of  the  young  tree  is  too  compactly  conical  to 
please  generally.  When  old,  however,  we  have  seen  it 
throw  off  this  formality,  and  become  an  interesting,  and,  in- 
deed, a  picturesque  tree.  Then  its  branches  shooting  out  in 
a  horizontal  direction,  clad  with  looser  and  more  pendant 
foliage,  give  the  whole  tree  quite  another  character.  The 
twisted  stems,  too,  when  they  become  aged,  have  a  singular, 
dried-looking,  whitish  bark,  which  is  quite  unique  and  pe- 
culiar. There  is  a  very  fine  natural  av-enue  of  Red  Cedars 
near  Fishkill  landing,  in  Dutchess  Co.,  composed  of  two 
rows  of  noble  trees  35  or  40  feet  high,  which  is  a  very 
agreeable  walk  in  winter  and  early  spring.  This  has  given 
the  name  of  Cedar  Grove  to  the  country-seat  in  question 
where  the  Red  Cedar  grows  spontaneously  upon  a  slate 
subsoil,  with  great  luxuriance.  There  the  trees  are  dis- 
seminated widely  by  the  birds,  which  feed  with  avidity 
upon  the  berries. 

The  Red  Cedar  is  well  known  to  every  person  as  one  of 
our  very  best  timber  trees.     It  takes  its  name  from  the  red- 


276  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

dish  hue  of  the  perfect  wood.  This  has  a  fragrant  odour, 
and  is  not  only  light,  fine-grained,  and  close  in  texture,  but 
extremely  durable.  It  is  therefore  much  employed,  (though 
of  late  it  is  becoming  scarcer,)  in  conjunction  with  the  Live 
oak,  which  is  too  heavy  alone,  in  ship-building.  It  is  also 
valued  for  its  great  durability  as  posts  for  fencing  ;  and  is 
exported  to  Europe,  to  be  used  in  the  manufacture  of  pen- 
cils, and  other  useful  purposes. 


The  Arbor  Vit^e  Tree.     Thuja. 

Nat.  Ord.     Coniferse.        Lin.  Syst.     Moncecia,  Monadelphia. 

The  Arbor  VitaB,  {Thuja  occidentalis,)  sometimes  also 
called  Flat  Cedar,  or  White  Cedar,  is  distinguished  from 
most  evergreens  by  its  flat  foliage,  composed  of  a  great  num- 
ber of  scales  closely  imbricated,  or  overlaying  each  other, 
which  give  the  whole  a  compressed  appearance.  The  seeds 
are  borne  in  a  small  cone,  usually  not  more  than  half  an 
inch  in  length. 

This  tree  is  extremely  formal  and  regular  in  outline  in  al- 
most every  stage  of  growth  ;  generally  assuming  the  shape 
of  an  exact  cone  or  pyramid  of  close  foliage,  of  considerable 
extent  at  the  base,  close  to  the  ground,  and  narrowing  up- 
wards to  a  sharp  point.  So  regular  is  their  outline  in  many 
cases,  when  they  are  growing  upon  fevom-able  soils,  that  at 
a  short  distance  they  look  as  if  they  had  been  subjected  to 
the  clipping-shears.  The  sameness  of  its  form  precludes  the 
employment  of  this  evergreen  in  so  extensive  a  manner  as 
most  others  ;  that  is,  in  intermingling  it  promiscuously  with 


EVERGREEN    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  277 

Other  trees  of  less  artificial  forms.  But  the  Arbor  Vitae,  from 
this  very  regularity,  is  well  suited  to  support  and  accompany 
scenery  when  objects  of  an  avowedly  artificial  character  pre- 
dominate, as  buildings,  etc.,  where  it  may  be  used  with  a 
very  happy  effect.  There  is  also  no  evergreen  tree  indi- 
genous or  introduced,  which  will  make  a  more  effectual, 
close,  and  impervious  screen  than  this  :  and  as  it  thrives  well 
in  almost  every  soil,  moist,  dry,  rich  or  poor,  we  strongly 
recommend  it  whenever  such  thickets  are  desirable.  We 
have  ourselves  tried  the  experiment  with  a  hedge  of  it  about 
200  feet  long,  which  was  transplanted  about  five  or  six  feet 
high  from  the  native  habitats  of  the  young  trees,  and  which 
fully  answers  our  expectations  respecting  it,  forming  a  per- 
fectly thick  screen,  and  an  excellent  shelter  on  the  north  of 
a  range  of  buildings  at  all  seasons  of  the  year,  growing 
perfectly  thick  without  trimming,  from  the  very  ground  up- 
wards. 

The  only  fault  of  this  tree  as  an  evergreen,  is  the  compara- 
tively dingy  green  hue  of  its  foliage  in  v/inter.  But  to  com- 
pensate for  this,  it  is  remarkably  fresh  looking  in  its  spring 
summer,  and  autumn  tints,  comparing  well  at  those  seasons 
even  with  the  bright  verdure  of  deciduous  trees. 

The  Arbor  Yitae  is  very  abundant  in  New-Brunswick, 
Vermont,  and  Maine.  In  New- York,  the  shores  of  the  Hud- 
son, at  Hampton  landing,  70  miles  above  the  city  of  New- 
York,  are  lined  on  both  sides  with  beautiful  specimens  of 
this  tree,  many  of  them  being  perfect  cones  in  outline  ;  and 
it  is  here  much  more  symmetrical  and  perfect  in  its  growth 
than  we  have  seen  it.  Forty  feet  is  about  the  maximum 
altitude  of  the  Arbor  Vitee,  and  the  stem  rarely  measures 
more  than  ten  or  twelve  inches  in  diameter. 


278  LANDSCAPE  GARDENING. 

The  wood  is  very  light,  soft,  and  fine-grained,  but  is  re- 
puted to  be  equally  durable  with  the  Red  Cedar.  It  is  con- 
sequently employed  for  various  purposes  in  building  and 
fencing,  where,  in  the  northern  districts,  it  grows  in  suffi- 
cient abundance,  and  of  suitable  size. 

The  Chinese  Arbor  Yitse,  ( T.  orientalis,)  is  a  tree  of  much 
smaller  and  more  feeble  growth.  It  cannot  therefore  as  an 
ornamental  tree  be  put  in  competition  with  our  native  spe- 
cies. But  it  is  a  beautiful  evergreen  for  the  garden  and 
shrubbery,  where  it  finds  a  more  suitable  and  sheltered  site, 
being  rather  tender  north  of  New- York. 

The  White  Cedar,  {Thuja  spheroidce*)  which  belongs 
to  the  same  genus  as  the  Arbor  Yitas  is  a  much  loftier  tree, 
often  growing  80  feet  high,  It  can  hardly  be  considered  a 
tree  capable  of  being  introduced  into  cultivated  situations, 
as  it  is  found  only  in  thick  swamps  and  wet  grounds.  The 
foliage  considerably  resembles  that  of  the  common  Arbor 
Yitae,  though  rather  narrower,  and  more  delicate  in  texture. 
The  cones  are  small  and  rugged,  and  change  from  green  to 
a  blue  or  brown  tint  in  autumn.  In  the  south  it  is  often 
called  the  Juniper. 

The  White  Cedar  furnishes  excellent  shingles,  much  more 
durable  than  those  made  of  either  Pine  or  Cypress  ;  in  Phi- 
ladelphia the  wood  is  much  esteemed  and  greatly  used  in 
cooperage.  "Charcoal,"  according  to  Michaux,  "highly 
esteemed  in  the  manufacture  of  gunpowder,  is  made  of  young 
stocks,  about  an  inch  and  a  half  in  diameter,  deprived  of 
their  bark ;  and  the  seasoned  wood  affords  beautiful  lamp- 
black, lighter  and  more  intensely  coloured,  than  that  obtained 
from  the  Pine." 

*  Cupressus  thuyoides  of  the  old  botanists. 


EVERGREEN    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  279 

The  American  Holly  Tree.     Ilex. 
Nat,  Ord.    Aquifoliacese.  Lin.  Syst.     Dioecia,  Tetrandria. 

The  European  Holly  is  certainly  one  of  the  evergreen 
glories  of  the  English  gardens.  There,  its  deep  green,  glos- 
sy foliage,  and  bright  coral  berries,  which  hang  on  for  a 
long  time,  are  seen  enlivening  the  pleasure-grounds  and 
shrubberies  throughout  the  whole  of  that  leafless  and  in- 
active period  in  vegetation — winter.  It  is  also,  in  our 
mother  tongue,  inseparably  cormected  with  the  delightful 
associations  of  merry  Christmas  gambols  and  feastings,  when 
both  the  churches  and  the  dwelling-houses,  are  decorated 
with  its  boughs.  We  have  mueli  to  regret,  therefore,  in  the 
severity  of  our  winters,  which  will  not  permit  the  European 
Holly  to  flourish  in  the  middle  or  eastern  states,  as  a  hardy 
tree.  South  of  Philadelphia,  it  may  become  acclimated  ; 
but  it  appears  to  suffer  greatly  farther  north. 

A  beautiful  succedanum,  however,  may,  we  believe,  be 
found  in  the  American  Holly,  {Ilex  opaca.)  which  indeed 
very  closely  resembles  the  foreign  species  in  almost  every 
particular.  The  leaves  are  waved  or  irregular  in  surface 
and  outline,  though  not  so  much  so  as  those  of  the  latter, 
and  their  colour  is  a  much  lighter  shade  of  green.  Like 
those  of  the  foreign  plant,  they  are  armed  on  the  edges  with 
thorny  prickles,  and  the  surface  is  brilliant  and  polished. 
The  American  Holly  is  seen  in  the  greatest  perfection  on  the 
eastern  shore  of  Maryland  and  Virginia,  and  the  lower  part 
of  New- Jersey.  There  it  thrives  best  upon  loose,  dry  and 
gravelly  soils.  Michaux  says  it  is  also  common  through  all 
the  extreme  southern  states,  and  in    West    Tennessee,  in 


280  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

which  latter  places  it  abounds  on  the  margins  of  shady 
swamps,  where  the  soil  is  cool  and  fertile.  In  such  spots  it 
often  reaches  forty  feet  in  height,  and  twelve  or  fifteen 
inches  in  diameter. 

Although  the  growth  of  the  Holly  is  slow,  yet  it  is  ahoays 
beautiful ;  and  we  regret  that  the  American  sort,  which  may 
be  easily  brought  into  cultivation,  is  so  very  rarely  seen  in 
our  gardens  or  grounds.  The  seeds  are  easily  procured ; 
and  if  scalded  and  sowed  in  autumn,  immediately  after  being 
gathered,  they  vegetate  freely.  For  hedges  the  Holly  is 
altogether  unrivalled  ;  and  it  was  also  one  of  the  favourite 
plants  for  verdant  sculpture,  in  the  ancient  style  of  garden- 
ing. Evelyn,  in  the  edition  of  his  Sylva,  published  in 
London  in  1664,  thus  bursts  out  in  eloquent  praise  of  it : 
''  Above  all  natural  greens  which  enrich  our  home-born 
store,  there  is  none  certainly  to  be  compared  to  the  Holly ; 
insomuch  that  I  have  often  wondered  at  our  curiosity  after 
foreign  plants  and  expensive  difficulties,  to  the  neglect  of 
the  culture  of  this  vulgar  but  incomparable  tree, — whether 
we  will  propagate  it  for  use  and  defence,  or  for  sight  and 
ornament.  Is  there  under  heaven  a  more  glorious  and  re- 
freshing object  of  the  kind,  than  an  impregnable  hedge  of 
one  hundred  and  sixty-five  feet  in  length,  seven  high,  and 
five  in  diameter,  which  I  cem  show  in  my  poor  gardens,  at 
any  time  of  the  year,  glittering  with  its  armed  aud  varnished 
leaves  1  The  taller  standards,  at  orderly  distances,  blushing 
with  their  natural  coral.  It  mocks  the  rudest  assaults  of 
the  weather,  beasts,  or  hedge-breaker  : — 

'  Et  ilium  nemo  impune  lacessit.'  " 


EVERGREEN    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  281 

The  Yew  Tree.     Taxus. 
Nat,  Ord.    Taxaceae.  Lin.  Syst.    Monoecia,  Monadelphia. 

The  European  Yew  is  a  slow-growing,  evergreen  tree, 
which  often  when  full  grown,  measures  forty  feet  in  height, 
and  a  third  more  in  the  diameter  of  its  branches.  The  fo- 
liage is  flat,  linear,  and  is  placed  in  two  rows,  like  that  of  the 
Hemlock  tree,  though  much  darker  in  colour.  The  flowers 
are  brown  or  greenish,  and  inconspicuous,  but  they  are  suc- 
ceeded by  beautiful  scarlet  berries,  about  half  or  three-fourths 
of  an  inch  in  diameter,  which  are  open  at  the  end,  where  a 
small  nut  or  seed  is  deposited.  These  berries  have  an  ex- 
quisitely delicate,  waxen  appearance,  and  contribute  highly 
to  the  beauty  of  the  tree. 

The  growth  of  this  tree,  even  in  its  native  soil,  is  by  no 
means  rapid.  In  twenty  years,  says  Loudon,  it  will  attain 
the  height  of  fifteen  or  eighteen  feet,  and  it  will  continue 
growing  for  one  hundred  years ;  after  which  it  becomes 
comparatively  stationary,  but  will  live  many  centuries. 

When  young,  the  Yew  is  rather  compact  and  bushy  in  its 
form ;  but  as  it  grows  old,  the  foliage  spreads  out  in  fine 
horizontal  masses,  the  outline  of  the  tree  is  irregularly  varied, 
and  the  whole  ultimately  becomes  highly  venerable  and  pic- 
turesque. When  standing  alone,  it  generally  shoots  out  into 
branches  at  some  three  or  four  feet  above  the  surface  of  the 
ground,  and  is  ramified  into  a  great  number  of  close  branches. 

In  England,  it  has  been  customary,  since  the  earliest  set- 
tlement of  that  island  by  the  Britons,  to  plant  the  Yew  in 
churchyards  ;  and  it  is  therefore  as  decidedly  consecrated  to 
this  purpose  there,  as  the  Cypress  is  in  the  south  of  Europe. 

36 


282  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

For  the  decoration  of  places  of  burial  it  is  well  adapted,  from 
the  deep  and  perpetual  verdure  of  its  foliage,  which,  con- 
jointly with  its  great  longevity,  may  be  considered  as  em- 


[Fig.  37.   The  English  Yew.] 


blematical  of  immortality.  The  custom  still  exists,  in  a  few 
places  in  Ireland  and  Wales,  of  carrying  twigs  of  this  and 
other  evergreen  trees  in  funerals,  and  throwing  them  into 
the  grave,  with  the  corpse.* 


.  Yet  strew 


Upon  my  dismall  grave 
Such  offerings  as  ye  have, 
Forsaken  Cypresse  and  Yewe ; 
For  kinder  flowers  can  have  no  birth 
Or  growth  from  such  unhappy  earth." 

Stanly. 

There  is  a  mournful  yet  sweet  and  pensive  pleasure,  in 
thus  adorning  these  last  places  of  repose  with  such  beautiful, 
unfading  memorials  of  grief.  They  rob  the  graveyard  or 
cemetery  of  its  horrors,  and  by  their  perpetual  garlands  of 

*  Encyclopaedia  of  Plants,  849. 


EVERGREEN    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  283 

verdure  and  freshness,  inevitably  lead  the  mind  from  the 
ideas  of  death  which  an  ordinary  barren  churchyard  alone 
inspires,  to  reflections  of  a  purer  and  loftier  cast ;  the  im- 
mortality which  awaits  the  soul  when  disenthralled  of  clay. 
Among  the  old  English  poets,  we  find  much  of  these  feel- 
ings in  favour  of  decorating  the  precincts  of  the  grave,  and 
surrounding  them  with  what  may  be  called  the  'poetry  of 
grief.  Herrick,  one  of  the  sweetest  of  the  number,  in  some 
lines  addressed  to  the  Cypress  and  Yew,  says  : 

"  Bothe  of  ye  have 
Relation  to  the  grave ; 
And  where 
The  funeral  trump  sounds,  you  are  there. 
I  shall  be  made 
Ere  longe  a  fleeting  shade  ; 

Pray  come, 
And  do  some  honour  to  my  tomb." 

Some  of  the  old  Yews  in  the  churchyards  and  gardens  of 
England  have  attained  a  wonderful  period  of  longevity. 
Gilpin  mentions  one  in  the  churchyard  of  Tisbury  in  Dor- 
setshire, now  standing  and  in  fine'foliage,  though  the  trunk 
is  quite  hollow,  which  measures  thirty-seven  feet  in  circum. 
ference,  and  the  limbs  are  proportionately  large.  The  tree 
is  entered  by  a  rustic  gate ;  and  seventeen  persons  lately 
breakfasted  in  its  interior.  It  is  said  to  have  been  planted 
many  generations  ago  by  the  Arundel  family.  The  famous 
Yew  at  Arkenwyke  House,  which  Henry  VIH.  made  his 
place  of  meeting  with  Anna  Boleyn  when  she  was  there,  is 
supposed  to  be  upwards  of  a  thousand  years  old  ;  it  is  forty- 
nine  feet  high,  twenty-seven  in  circumference,  and  the 
branches  extend  over  an  area  of  two  hundred  and  seven  feet. 
There  are  besides  these,  a  great  number  of  other  celebrated 


284  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

Yews  in  England,  of  immense  size  and  age,  which  are  pre- 
served with  the  greatest  care  and  veneration. 

It  is  a  common  saying  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  New  For- 
est in  England,  says  Gilpin,  that  "a  post  of  Yew  will  out- 
last a  post  of  iron."  The  wood  is  extremely  durable,  and 
being  hard  and  very  fine-grained,  as  well  as  beautifully  varie- 
gated with  reddish  or  orange  veins,  it  is  much  prized  for 
inlaying,  veneering,  and  other  similar  purposes,  by  the 
cabinet-makers  abroad.  Tables  made  of  it  are  said  to  be 
more  beautiful  than  those  of  mahogany  ;  and  the  wood  of 
the  root  to  vie  in  beauty  with  that  of  the  Citron. 

It  is  also  remarkably  elastic,  and  is  therefore  much  valued 
for  bows.  In  ancient  times,  when  bows  and  arrows  were 
the  chief  weapons  of  destruction  in  war,  the  bows  made  of  the 
Yew  tree  were  valued  by  the  ancient  Britons  above  all  others. 
According  to  the  Arboretum  Brittanicum,  in  Switzerland, 
where  this  tree  was  scarce,  it  was  formerly  forbidden,  under 
heavy  penalties,  to  cut  down  the  Yew  for  any  other  purpose 
than  to  make  bows  of  the  wood.  The  Swiss  mountaineers 
call  it  "  William's  tree,"  in  memory  of  William  Tell. 

The  Yew,  like  the  Holly,  makes  an  excellent  evergreen 
hedge — close,  dark  green,  and  beautiful  when  clad  in  the 
rich  scarlet  berries.  We  desire,  however,  rather  to  see  this 
tree  naturalized  in  our  gardens  and  lawns  as  an  evergreen 
tree  of  the  first  class,  than  in  any  other  form.  .  Judging  from 
specimens  which  we  have  growing  in  our  own  grounds,  we 
should  consider  it  quite  hardy  any  where  south  of  the  41°  of 
latitude.  And  although  it  is  somewhat  slow  in  its  growth 
yet,  like  many  other  evergreens,  it  is  as  beautiful  when  a 
small  bush,  or  a  thrifty  young  tree,  as  it  is  venerable  and 
picturesque,  when  ages,  or  even  centuries  have  witnessed 
its  never  fading  verdure.     It  appears  to  grow  most  vigor- 


EVERGREEN    ORNAMENTAL    TREES.  285 

ously  and  thrive  best  on  a  rich  and  heavy  soil,  and  in  situ- 
ations rather  shaded  than  exposed  to  a  burning  sun. 

There  are  several  beautiful  varieties  of  the  Yew,  ( Taxus 

baccata,)  cultivated  in  the  nurseries  ;   the  Irish  Yew,  ( T.  b. 

fastigiata,)  remarkable  for  its  dark  green  foliage,  and  very 

handsome,  upright  growth,   and  the  Yellow  berried  Yew, 

(T.  b.  fructo-Jlava,)  are  the  most  ornamental. 

The  North  American  Yew,  {T.  canadensis,)  is  a  low 
trailing  shrub,  scarcely  rising  above  the  height  of  foiu  or 
six  feet,  though  the  branches  extend  to  a  considerable  dis- 
tance. In  foliage,  berries,  etc.,  it  so  strongly  resembles  the 
European  plant,  that  many  botanists  consider  it  only  a  dwarf 
variety.  The  leaves  are  nevertheless  shorter  and  narrower, 
and  the  male  flowers  always  solitary.  It  is  found  in  shady, 
rocky  places,  in  the  Highlands,  and  various  other  localities 
from  Canada  to  Virginia. 


286  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 


SECTION  VI. 

VINES  AND    CLIMBING  PLANTS. 

Value  of  this  kind  of  Vegetation.  Fine  natural  effects.  The  European  Ivy.  The  Virginia 
Creeper.  The  Wild  Grape  Vine.  The  Bittersweet.  The  Trumpet  Creeper.  The  Pipe 
Vine,  and  the  Clematis.  The  Wistarias.  The  Honeysuckles  and  Woodbines.  The  Jas- 
mine and  the  Periploca.  Remarks  on  the  proper  mode  of  introducing  vines.  Beautiful 
effects  of  climbing  plants  in  connection  with  buildings. 

Quite  over-canopied  with  lush  woodbine, 
With  sweet  musk  roses,  and  with  eglantine. 

ShaespeaHs. 

I  N  E  S  and  climbing  plants  are  ob- 
jects full  of  interest  for  the  Landscape 
Gardener,  for  they  seem  endowed  with 
the  characteristics  of  the  graceful,  the 
beautiful,  and  the  picturesque  in  their 
luxuriant  and  ever-varying  forms. 
When  judiciously  introduced,  therefore,  nothing  can  so  easily 
give  a  spirited  or  graceful  air  to  a  fine  or  even  an  ordinary 
scene,  as  the  various  plants  which  compose  this  group  of  the 
vegetable  kingdom.  We  refer  particularly  now  to  those 
which  have  woody  and  perennial  stems,  as  all  annual  or 
herbaceous  stemmed  plants  are  too  short-lived  to  afford  any 
lasting  or  permanent  addition  to  the  beauty  of  the  lawn  or 
pleasure-ground. 

Climbing  plants  may  be  classed  among  the  adventitious 
beauties  of  trees.  Who  has  not  often  witnessed  with  delight 
in  our  native  forests,  the  striking  beauty  of  a  noble  tree,  the 


VINES    AND    CLIMBING    PLANTS.  287 

old  trunk  and  fantastic  branches  of  which  were  enwreathed 
with  the  kixuriant  and  pUant  shoots,  and  rich  foliage,  of 
some  beautiful  vine,  clothing  even  its  decayed  limbs  with 
verdure  ;  and  hanging  down  in  gay  festoons,  or  loose  negli- 
gent masses,  waving  to  and  fro  in  the  air.  The  European 
Ivy,  {Hedera  Helix,)  is  certainly  one  of  the  finest,  if  not  the 
very  finest  climbing  plant,  (or,  more  properly,  creeping  vine, 
for  by  means  of  its  little  fibres  or  rootlets  on  the  stems,  it 
will  attach  itself  to  trees,  walks,  or  any  other  substance,) 
with  which  we  are  acquainted.  It  possesses  not  only  very 
fine  dark  green  palmated  foliage,  in  great  abundance  ;  but 
the  foliage  has  that  agreeable  property  of  being  evergreen, — 
which,  while  it  enhances  its  value  tenfold,  is  at  the  same 
time  so  rare  among  vines.  The  yellow  flowers  of  the  Ivy 
are  great  favourites  with  bees,  from  their  honied  sweetness  ; 
they  open  in  autumn,  and  the  berries  ripen  in  the  spring. 
When  planted  at  the  root  of  a  tree,  it  will  often,  if  the  head 
is  not  too  thickly  clad  with  branches,  ascend  to  the  very 
topmost  limbs  ;  and  its  dark  green  foliage,  wreathing  itself 
about  the  old  and  furrowed  trmik,  and  hanging  in  careless 
drapery  from  the  lower  branches,  adds  greatly  to  the  ele- 
gance of  even  the  most  admirable  tree.  Spenser  describes 
the  appearance  of  the  Ivy  growing  to  the  tops  of  the  trees, 

"  Emongst  the  rest,  the  clamb'ring  Ivie  grew, 
Knitting  his  wanton  arms  with  grasping  hold, 
Lest  that  the  poplar  happely  should  rew 
Her  brother's  strokes,  whose  boughs  she  doth  enfold 
With  her  lythe  twigs,  till  they  the  top  survew, 
And  paint  with  pallid  green  her  buds  of  gold. 

The  fine  contrasts  between  the  dark  colouring  of  the 
leaves  of  the  Ivy,  and  the  vernal  and  autumnal  tints  of  the 
foliage  of  deciduous  trees,  are  also  highly  pleasing.     Indeed 


288 


LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 


this  fine  climbing  plant  may  be  turned  to  advantage  in  ano- 
ther way ;  in  reclothing  dead  trees  with  verdure.  Sir  T. 
D.  Lauder  says,  that  "  trees  often  die  from  causes  which  we 
cannot  divine,  and  there  is  no  one  who  is  master  of  exten- 
sive woods,  who  does  not  meet  with  many  such  instances  of 
unexpected  and  unaccountable  mortality.  Of  such  dead 
individuals  we  have  often  availed  ourselves,  and  by  planting . 
Ivy  at  their  roots,  we  have  converted  them  into  more  beau- 
tiful objects  than  they  were  when  arrayed  in  their  own 
natural  foliage." 

The  Ivy  is  not  only  beautiful  upon  trees,  but  it  is  also 
remarkably  well  adapted  to  ornament  cottages,  and  even 
large  mansions,  when  allowed  to  grow  upon  the  walls,  to 
which  it  will  attach  itself  so  firmly  by  the  little  rootlets  sent 
out  from  the  branches,  that  it  is  almost  impossible  to  tear  it 
off.  On  wooden  buildings,  it  may  perhaps  be  injurious,  by 
causing  them  to  decay ;  but  on  stone  buildings,  it  fastens 
itself  firmly,  and  holds  both  stone  and  mortar  together  like  a 
coat  of  cement.  The  thick  garniture  of  foliage  with  which 
it  covers  the  surface,  excludes  stormy  weather,  and  has 
therefore  a  tendency  to  preserve  the  walls,  rather  than  accele- 
rate their  decay.  This  vine  is  the  inseparable  accompani- 
ment of  the  old  feudal  castles,  and  crumbling  towers  of 
Europe,  and  borrows  a  great  additional  interest  from  the 
romance  and  historical  recollections  connected  with  such 
spots.  Indeed  half  the  beauty,  picturesque,  as  well  as 
poetical,  of  those  time-worn  buildings,  is  conferred  by  this 
plant,  which  seeks  to  bind  together  and  adorn  with  some- 
thing of  their  former  richness,  the  crumbling  fragments  that 
are  fast  tottering  to  decay :  — 

"  The  Ivy,  that  staunchest  and  firmest  friend, 
That  hastens  its  succouring  arm  to  lend 


VINES    AND    CLIMBING    PLANTS.  289 

To  the  ruined  fane  where  in  youth  it  sprung, 
And  its  pliant  tendrils  in  sport  were  flung. 
When  the  sinking  buttress,  and  mouldering  tower 
Seem  only  the  spectres  of  former  power 
Then  the  Ivy  clusters  round  the  wall, 
And  for  tapestry  hangs  in  the  moss-grown  hall. 
Striving  in  beauty  and  youth  to  dress 
The  desolate  place  in  its  loneliness." 

Romance  of  Nature. 

The  Ivy  lives  to  a  great  age,  if  we  may  judge  from  the 
specimens  that  overrun  some  of  the  oldest  edifices  of  Europe, 
which  are  said  to  have  been  covered  with  it  for  centuries, 
and  where  the  main  stems  are  seen  nearly  as  large  as  the 
trunk  of  a  middle  sized  tree. 

"  Whole  ages  have  fled,  and  their  works  decayed, 
And  nations  have  scattered  been  ; 
But  the  stout  old  Ivy  shall  never  fade 
From  its  hale  and  hearty  green ; 
The  brave  old  plant  in  its  lonely  days, 
Shall  fatten  upon  the  past ; 
For  the  stateliest  building  man  can  raise, 
Is  the  Ivy's  food  at  last." 

The  Ivy  is  not  a  native  of  America ;  nor  is  it  by  any 
means  a  very  common  plant  in  our  gardens,  though  we 
know  of  no  apology  for  the  apparent  neglect  of  so  beautiful 
a  climber.  It  is  hardy  south  of  the  latitude  of  42°,  and  we 
have  seen  it  thriving  in  great  luxuriance  as  far  north  as 
Hyde  Park,  on  the  Hudson,  SO  miles  above  New- York. 
One  of  the  most  beautiful  growths  of  this  plant,  which  has 
ever  met  our  eyes,  is  that  upon  the  old  mansion  in  the  Bo- 
tanic Garden  at  Philadelphia,  built  by  the  elder  Bartram. 
That  picturesque  and  quaint  stone  building  is  beautifully 
overrun  by  the  most  superb  mantle  of  Ivy,  that  no  one  who 
has  once  seen  can  fail  to  remember  with  admiration.     The 

37 


290  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

dark  gray  of  the  stone-work  is  finely  opposed  by  the  rich 
verdure  of  the  plant,  which  falls  away  in  openings  here  and 
there,  around  the  windows,  and  elsewhere.  It  never  thrives 
well  if  suffered  to  ramble  along  the  ground,  but  needs  the 
support  of  a  tree,  a  frame,  or  a  wall,  to  which  it  attaches 
itself  firmly,  and  grows  with  vigorous  shoots.  Bare  walls 
or  fences  may  thus  be  clothed  with  verdure  and  beauty 
equal  to  the  living  hedge,  in  a  very  short  period  of  time,  by 
planting  young  Ivy  roots  at  the  base. 

The  most  desirable  varieties  of  the  common  Ivy  are,  the 
Irish  Ivy,  with  much  larger  foliage  than  the  common  sort, 
and  more  rapid  in  its  growth  ;  the  Silver-striped,  and  the 
Gold-striped  leaved  Ivy,  both  of  which,  though  less  vigor- 
ous, are  much  admired  for  the  singular  colour  of  their 
leaves.  The  common  English  Ivy  is  more  hardy  than  the 
others  in  our  climate. 

Although,  as  we  have  said,  the  Ivy  is  not  a  native  of  this 
country,  yet  we  have  an  indigenous  vine,  which,  at  least  in 
summer,  is  not  inferior  to  it.  We  refer  to  the  Virginia 
Creeper,  {Ampelopsis  hederacea,)  which  is  often  called 
the  American  Ivy.  The  leaves  are  as  large  as  the  hand, 
deeply  divided  into  five  lobes,  and  the  blossoms  are  suc- 
ceeded by  handsome,  dark  blue  berries.  The  Virginia 
Creeper  is  a  most  luxuriant  grower,  and  we  have  seen  it 
climbing  to  the  extremities  of  trees  70  or  80  feet  in  height. 
Like  the  Ivy,  it  attaches  itself  to  whatever  it  can  lay  hold 
of,  by  the  little  rootlets  which  spring  out  of  the  branches  ; 
and  its  foliage,  when  it  clothes  thickly  a  high  wall,  or  folds 
itself  in  clustering  wreaths  around  the  trunk  and  branches 
of  an  open  tree,  is  extremely  handsome  and  showy.  Al- 
though the  leaves  are  not  evergreen  like  those  of  the  Ivy, 
yet  in  autunm  they  far  surpass  those  of  that  plant  in  the 


VINES    AND   CLIMBING    PLANTS.  291 

rich  and  gorgeous  colouring  which  they  then  assume. 
Numberless  trees  may  be  seen  in  the  country  by  the  road- 
side, and  in  the  woods,  thus  decked  in  autumn  in  the  bor- 
rowed glories  of  the  Virginia  Creeper  ;  but  we  particularly 
remember  two,  as  being  remarkably  striking  objects  ;  one, 
a  wide-spread  elm — the  trunk  and  graceful  diverging 
branches  completely  clad  in  scarlet  by  this  beautiful  vine, 
with  which  its  own  leaves  harmonized  well  in  their  fine 
deep  yellow  dress ;  the  other,  a  tall  and  dense  Cedar, 
through  whose  dark  green  boughs  gleamed  the  rich  colour- 
ing of  the  Virginia  Creeper,  like  a  half-concealed,  though 
glowmg  fire. 

In  the  American  forests  nothing  adds  more  to  the  beauty 
of  an  occasional  tree,  than  the  tall  canopy  of  verdure  with 
which  it  is  often  crowned  by  the  wild  Grape  vine.  There 
its  tall  stems  wind  themselves  about  until  they  reach  the 
very  summit  of  the  tree,  where  they  cluster  it  over,  and 
bask  their  broad  bright  green  foliage  in  the  sunbeams.  As 
if  not  content  with  this,  they  often  completely  overhang  the 
head  of  the  tree,  falling  like  ample  drapery  around  on  every 
side,  until  they  sweep  the  ground.  We  have  seen  very 
beautiful  eifects  produced  in  this  way  by  the  grape  in  its 
wild  state,  and  it  may  easily  be  imitated.  The  delicious 
fragrance  of  these  wild  grape  vines  when  in  blossom,  is 
unsurpassed  in  delicacy ;  and  we  can  compare  it  to  nothing 
but  the  delightful  perfume  which  exhales  from  a  huge  bed 
of  Mignonette  in  full  bloom.  The  Bittersweet,  {Celastrus 
scandens,)  is  another  well  known  climber,  which  ornaments 
our  wild  trees.  Its  foliage  is  very  bright  and  shining,  and 
the  orange-coloured  seed-vessels  which  burst  open,  and  dis- 
play the  crimson  seeds  in  winter,  are  quite  ornamental.  It 
winds  itself  very  closely  around  the  stem,  however,  and  we 


292  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

have  known  it  to  strangle  or  compress  the  bodies  of  young 
trees  so  tightly  as  to  put  an  end  to  their  growth. 

The  Trumpet  Creeper,  {Bignonia  radicans,)  is  a  very 
showy  climbing  plant.  The  stem  is  quite  woody,  and  often 
attains  considerable  size  ;  the  branches  like  those  of  the  Ivy, 
and  Virginia  Creeper,  fasten  themselves  by  the  roots  thrown 
out.  The  leaves  are  pinnated,  and  the  flowers,  which  are 
borne  in  terminal  clusters  on  the  ends  of  the  young  shoots 
about  midsummer,  are  exceedingly  showy.  They  are  tubes 
five  or  six  inches  long,  shaped  like  a  trumpet,  opening  at  the 
extremity,  of  a  fine  scarlet  colour  on  the  outside,  and  orange 
within.  The  Trumpet  Creeper  is  a  native  of  Virginia,  Ca- 
rolina, and  the  states  farther  south,  where  it  climbs  up  the 
loftiest  trees.  It  is  a  great  favourite  in  the  northern  states  as 
a  climbing  plant,  and  very  beautiful  efiects  are  sometimes 
produced  by  planting  it  at  the  foot  of  a  tall-stemmed  tree, 
which  it  will  completely  surround  with  a  pillar  of  verdure, 
and  render  very  ornamental  by  its  little  shoots,  studded  with 
noble  blossoms. 

One  of  the  most  singular  and  picturesque  climbing  shrubs 
or  plants  which  we  cultivate,  is  the  Pipe- vine,  or  Birth  wort, 
{Aristolochia  sipho.)  It  is  a  native  of  the  Alleghany  moun. 
tains,  and  is  one  of  the  tallest  of  twining  plants  growing  on 
the  trees  there  to  the  height  of  90  or  100  feet,  though  in 
gardens  it  is  often  kept  down  to  a  frame  of  four  or  five  feet 
high.  The  leaves  are  of  a  noble  size,  being  eight  or  nine 
inches  broad,  and  heart-shaped  in  outline.  The  flowers, 
about  an  inch  or  a  little  more  in  length,  are  very  singular. 
They  are  dark  yellow,  spotted  with  brown,  in  shape  like  a 
bent  siphon-like  tube,  which  opens  at  the  extremity,  the  whole 
flower  resembling,  as  close  as  possible,  a  very  small  Dutch- 
man's pipe,  whence  the  vine  is  frequently  so  called  by  the 


VINES    AND    CLIMBING    PLANTS.  293 

country  people.  It  flowers  in  the  beginning  of  summer,  and 
the  foliage,  during  the  whole  growing  season,  has  a  very  rich 
and  luxuriant  appearance.  Aristolochia  tomentosa  is  a 
smaller  species,  with  leaves  and  flowers  of  less  size,  the  for- 
mer downy  or  hairy  on  the  under  surface. 

The  various  kinds  of  Clematis,  though  generally  kept 
within  the  precincts  of  the  garden,  are  capable  of  adding  to 
the  interest  of  the  pleasure  ground,  when  they  are  planted 
so  as  to  support  themselves  on  the  branches  of  trees.  The 
common  White  Clematis  or  Virgin's  Bower,  (C  virginica,\ 
is  one  of  the  strongest  growing  kinds,  often  embellishing 
with  its  pale  white  blossoms,  the  whole  interior  and  even  the 
very  tops  of  our  forest  trees  in  the  middle  states.  After  these 
have  fallen,  they  are  succeeded  by  large  tufts  of  brown, 
hairy-like  plumes,  appendages  to  the  clusters  of  seeds,  which 
give  the  whole  a  very  unique  and  interesting  look.  The 
Wild  Airagene,  with  large  purple  flowers,  which  blossom 
early,  has  much  the  same  habit  as  the  Clematis,  to  which 
indeed,  it  is  nearly  related.  Among  the  finest  foreign  species 
of  this  genus  are,  the  Single  and  Double-flowered  purple 
Clematis,  (C  viticella  audits  varieties,)  which  though  slen- 
der in  their  stems,  run  to  considerable  height,  are  very  pretty, 
and  blossom  profusely.  The  sweet  scented,  and  the  Japan 
Clematis,  {C.  jiamTnula  and  C.  Jlorida,)  the  former  very 
fragrant,  and  the  latter  beautiful,  are  perhaps  too  tender,  ex- 
cept for  the  garden,  where  they  are  highly  prized. 

The  Glycine  or  Wistaria,  (  Wistaria  pubescetis,)  is  a  very 
handsome  climbing  plant,  and  adds  much  to  the  beauty  of 
trees,  when  trained  so  as  to  hang  from  their  lower  branches. 
The  leaves  are  pinnate,  and  the  light  purple  flowers,  which 
bloom  in  loose  clusters  like  those  of  the  Locust,  are  univer- 
sally admired.     The  Chinese  Wistaria,  ( W.  sinensis,)  is  a 


294  LANDSCAPE  GARDENING. 

very  elegant  species  of  this  plant,  which  appears  to  be  quite 
hardy  here ;  and  when  loaded  with  its  numerous  large 
clusters  of  pendant  blossoms,  is  highly  ornamental.  It  grows 
rapidly,  and  with  but  little  care,  will  mount  to  a  great  height. 
These  vines  with  pinnated  foliage,  would  be  remarkably 
appropriate  when  climbing  up,  and  hanging  from  the 
branches  of  such  light  airy  trees  as  the  Three-thorned 
Acacia,  the  Locust,  etc. 

We  must  not  forget  to  enumerate  here  the  charming  family 
of  the  Honeysuckles  ;  some  of  them  are  natives  of  the  old 
world,  some  of  our  own  continent ;  and  all  of  them  are  com- 
mon in  our  gardens,  where  they  are  universally  prized  for 
their  beauty  and  frcigrance.  In  their  native  localities  they 
grow  upon  trees,  and  trail  along  the  rocks.  The  species 
which  ascends  to  the  greatest  height,  is  the  common  Euro- 
pean Woodbine,*  which  twines  around  the  stems,  and  hangs 
from  the  ends  of  the  longest  branches  of  trees : 

"As  Woodbine  weds  the  plant  within  her  reach, 
Rough  Elm,  or  smooth-grained  Ash,  or  glossy  Beech, 
In  spiral  rings  asceads  the  trunk,  and  lays 
Her  golden  tassels  on  the  leafy  sprays." 

COWPKII. 

The  Woodbine,  {Lonicera  peryclemenum,)  has  separate 
opposite  leaves,  and  buff-coloured  or  paler  yellow  and  red 
blossoms.  There  is  a  variety,  the  common  monthly  Wood- 
bine, which  produces  its  flowers  all  simimer,  and  is  much 
the  most  valuable  plant.  Another,  {L.  p.  belgicum,)  the 
Dutch  Honeysuckle,  blossoms  quite  early  in  spring  ;  and  a 
third,  {L.  p.  quercifolium,)  has  leaves  shaped  like  those  of 
the  oak  tree. 

*  Woodbind  is  the  original  name,  derived  from  the  habit  of  the  plant  of  winding 
itself  around  trees,  and  binding  the  branches  together. 


VINES    AND    CLIMBING    PLANTS.  295 

The  finest  of  our  native  sorts  are  the  Red  and  Yellow 
trumpet  Honeysuckles,  {L.  sempervirens  and  L.  Jlava,) 
which  have  the  terminal  leaves  on  each  branch,  joined  to- 
gether at  the  base,  or  perfoliate,  making  a  single  leaf.  They 
blossom  in  the  greatest  profusion  during  the  whole  summer 
and  autumn,  and  their  rich  blossom-tubes,  sprinkled  in  nu- 
merous clusters  over  the  exterior  of  the  foliage,  as  well  as  an 
abundance  of  scarlet  berries  in  autumn,  entitle  them  to  high 
regard.  There  is  also  a  very  strong  and  vigorous  species, 
called  the  Orange  pubescent  Honeysuckle,  {L.  puhescens^) 
with  large,  hairy,  ciliate  leaves,  and  fine  large  tawny  or 
orange-coloured  fiowers.  It  is  a  very  luxuriant  plant  in  its 
habit,  and  a  very  distinct  species  to  the  eye.  All  these  na- 
tive sorts  have  but  very  slight  fragrance. 

The  Chinese  twining  Honeysuckle,  {L.  flexuosa,)  is  cer- 
tainly one  of  the  finest  of  the  genus.  In  the  form  of  the  leaf 
it  much  resembles  the  common  Woodbine ;  but  the  foliage 
is  much  darker  coloured,  and  is  also  sub-evergreen,  hanging 
on  half  the  winter,  and  in  sheltered  spots,  even  till  spring.  It 
blossoms  when  the  plant  is  old,  several  times  during  the 
summer,  bearing  an  abundance  of  beautiful  flowers,  open  at 
the  mouth,  red  outside,  and  striped  with  red,  white,  or  yel- 
low within.  It  grows  remarkably  fast,  climbing  to  the  very 
summit  of  trees  in  a  short  time  ;  and  the  flowers,  which  first 
appear  in  June,  are  deliciously  fragrant.  In  all  its  varieties 
the  Honeysuckle  is  a  charming  plant,  either  to  adorn  the 
porch  of  the  cottage,  the  latticed  bower  of  the  garden,  to  both 
of  which  spots  they  are  especially  dedicated  ;  or  to  climb  the 
stems  of  the  old  forest  tree,  where — 

"  With  clasping  tendrils  it  infests  the  branch 
Else  unadorn'd  with  many  a  gay  festoon, 
And  fragrant  chaplet ;  recompensing  well 
The  strength  it  borrows  with  the  grace  it  lends." 


296  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

There  it  diffuses  through  the  air  a  dehcious  breath,  that 
renders  a  walk  beneath  the  shade  of  the  tall  trees  doubly  de- 
lightful, Avhile  its  flowers  give  a  gayety  and  brightness  to 
the  park,  which  forest  trees,  producing  usually  but  incon- 
spicuous blossoms,  could  not  alone  produce. 

Some  of  the  climbing  Roses,  are  very  lovely  objects  in  the 
pleasure-grounds.  Many  of  them,  at  the  north,  as  the 
Multifloras,  Noisettes,  etc.,  require  some  covering  in  the  win- 
ter, and  are  therefore  better  fitted  for  the  garden.  At  the 
south,  where  they  are  quite  hardy,  they  are,  however,  most 
luxuriant  and  splendid  objects.  But  there  are  two  classes  of 
Roses  that  are  perfectly  hardy  climbers,  and  may  therefore 
be  employed  with  great  advantage  by  the  Landscape  Gar- 
dener— the  Michigan,  and  the  Boursalt  roses.  The  single 
Michigan  is  a  most  compact  and  vigorous  grower,  and  often, 
in  its  wild  haunts  in  the  west,  clambers  over  the  tops  of  tall 
forest  trees,  and  decks  them  with  its  abundant  clusters  of  pale 
purple  flowers.  There  are  now  in  our  gardens  several 
beautiful  double  varieties  of  this,  and  among  them,  one, 
called  Beauty  of  the  Prairies,  is  most  admired  for  its  large 
rich  buds  and  blossoms  of  a  deep  rose  colour. 

The  Boursalt  roses  are  remarkable  for  their  profusion  of 
flowers,  and  for  their  shining,  reddish  stems,  with  few 
thorns.  The  common  Purple  or  Crimson  Boursalt,  is  quite 
a  wonder  of  beauty  in  the  latter  part  of  May,  when  trained 
on  the  wall  of  a  cottage,  being  then  literally  covered  with 
blossoms — and  it  is  so  hardy  that  scarcely  a  branch  is  ever 
injured  by  the  cold  of  winter.  The  Blush,  and  the  Elegans 
and  still  richer  and  finer  varieties  of  this  class  of  roses,  all 
of  which  are  well  worthy  of  attention. 

We  have  to  regret  that  the  inclemency  of  our  winters  will 
not  permit  us  to  cultivate  the  White  European  Jasmine, 


VINES    AND   CLIMBING    PLANTS.  297 

[Jasminutn  officinale^)  out  of  the  garden,  as  even  there  it 
requires  a  sHght  protection  in  winter.  Below  the  latitude 
of  Philadelphia,  however,  it  will  probably  succeed  well.  In 
the  southern  states  they  have  a  most  lovely  plant,  the  Caro- 
lina Jasmine,  {Gelseminum,)  which  hangs  its  beautiful 
yellow  flowers  on  the  very  tree  tops,  and  the  woods  there  in 
spring  are  redolent  with  their  perfume. 

The  connoisseur  in  vines  will  not  forget  the  curious  Pe- 
riploca,  which  grows  very  rapidly  to  the  height  of  40  or  50 
feet,  and  bears  numerous  bunches  of  very  curious  brown  or 
purple  flowers  in  summer ;  or  the  Double-blossoming 
Brambles,  both  pink  and  white,  which  often  make  shoots 
of  20  or  30  feet  long  in  a  season,  and  bear  pretty  clusters  of 
full  double  flowers  in  Jmie.  All  these  fine  climbers,  and 
several  others  to  be  fomid  in  the  catalogues,  may,  in  the 
hands  of  a  person  of  taste,  be  made  to  contribute  in  a  won- 
derful degree  to  the  variety,  elegance,  and  beauty  of  a  country 
residence ;  and  to  neglect  to  mtroduce  them  would  be  to 
refuse  the  aid  of  some  of  the  most  beautiful  accessories  that 
are  capable  of  being  combined  with  trees,  as  well  as  with 
buildings,  gardens,  and  fences. 

Some  persons  object  to  the  growth  of  climbing  plants  upon 
trees,  that,  by  compressing  the  stems  and  tightening  them- 
selves around  the  limbs  of  trees,  they  gradually  check  their 
growth,  and  finally  by  preventing  the  expansion  of  the 
trunk,  put  an  end  to  the  life  of  the  tree.  This,  we  have  no 
doubt,  has  been  the  case  when  young-  trees  in  the  full  vigour 
of  growth  have  been  completely  encompassed  and  wound 
about  with  the  strong  growing  woody  creepers  ;  but  it  so 
rarely  happens,  (scarcely  ever  in  the  case  of  middle-sized 
trees,  on  which  vines  are  more  generally  planted,)  that  we 
consider  the  objection  of  no  moment.     Indeed,  were  all  this 

38 


298  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

ti'ue,  the  management  of  the  growth  of  any  vine,  however 
hixuriant,  is  so  completely  within  the  power  of  the  cultivator, 
that  by  a  very  trifling  annual  attention,  he  can  entirely  pre- 
vent the  possibility  of  any  such  injurious  effects. 

The  reader  must  not  imagine,  from  the  remarks  which  we 
have  here  made  on  the  beauty  and  charms  of  climbing  plants, 
that  we  would  desire  to  see  every  tree,  in  an  extensive 
park,  wreathed  about,  and  overhung,  with  fantastic  vines  and 
creepers.  Such  is  by  no  means  our  intention.  We  should 
consider  such  a  proceeding  as  something  in  the  worst  possi- 
ble taste.  There  are  some  trees  whose  rugged  and  ungrace- 
ful forms  would  refuse  all  such  accompaniment ;  and  others 
from  whose  dignity  and  majesty  it  would  be  improper  to  de- 
tract, even  by  adding  the  gracefulness  of  the  loveliest  vine. 
Such,  too,  is  never  the  case  in  nature,  as,  for  one  tree 
decked  in  this  manner  we  see  a  hundred  which  are  not,  and 
the  very  rarity  of  the  example  imparts  additional  beauty  and 
interest  to  it  when  it  appears.  This  should  be  the  case  in 
all  artificial  plantations  ;  and  he  who  has  a  true  and  lively 
feeling  for  the  graceful  and  picturesque,  will  easily  under- 
stand at  a  glance  where  these  expressions  will  be  strength- 
ened or  weakened  by  the  addition  of  more  grace  and  ele- 
gance. A  few  scattered  trees  here  and  there,  with  whose 
forms  the  plans  adopted  harmonize,  draped  and  festooned 
with  the  most  appropriate  climbing  plants,  will  be  all  that 
can  be  properly  introduced  in  any  scene,  unless  it  be  of  a 
very  artificial  character ;  but  even  these  additional  acces- 
sories, simple  as  they  may  seem,  often  produce  an  effect 
singularly  beautiful,  which  shows  how  much  in  real  land- 
scape, as  well  as  in  painting,  depends  upon  a  few  finishing 
touches  to  the  scene. 

Although  we  are  not  now  writing  of  buildings,  it  is  not 


VINES    AND   CLIMBING    PLANTS.  299 

inappropriate  here  to  remark  how  much  may  be  done  in  the 
country,  and  indeed  even  in  town,  by  using  vines  and 
creepers  to  decorate  buildings.  The  cottage  in  this  coun- 
try, too  rarely  conveys  the  idea  of  comfort  and  happiness 
which  we  wish  to  attach  to  such  a  habitation,  and  chiefly 
because  so  often  it  stands  bleak,  solitary,  and  exposed  to  every 
ray  of  our  summer  sun,  with  a  scanty  robe  of  foliage  to 
shelter  it.  How  different  such  edifices,  however  humble, 
become  when  the  porch  is  overhung  with  climbing  plants, — 
when  the  blushing  rose-buds  peep  in  at  the  window  sill,  or 
the  ripe  purple  clusters  of  the  grape  hang  down  about  the 
eaves,  those  who  have  seen  the  better  cottages  of  England, 
well  know.  Very  little  care  and  very  trifling  expense,  will 
procure  all  the  additional  beauty  ;  and  it  is  truly  wonderful 
how  much  so  little  once  done,  adds  to  the  happiness  of  the 
inmates.  Every  man  feels  prouder  of  his  home,  when  it  is 
a  pleasant  spot  for  the  eye  to  rest  upon,  than  when  it  is  situ- 
ated in  a  desert,  or  overgrown  with  weeds.  Besides  this, 
tasteful  embellishment  has  a  tendency  to  refine  the  feelings 
of  every  member  of  the  family;  and  every  leisure  hour 
spent  in  rendering  more  lovely  and  agreeable  even  the  hum- 
blest cottage,  is  infinitely  better  employed  than  in  lounging 
about  in  idle  and  useless  dissipation. 


300  LANDSCAPE  GARDENING. 


SECTION  VII. 

TREATMENT  OF  GROUND. — FORMATION  OF  WALKS. 

Nature  of  ojierations  on  Ground.  Treatment  of  flowing  and  irregular  surfaces  to  heighten 
their  expression ;  flats,  or  level  surfaces.  Rocks,  as  materials  in  Landscape.  Laying  out 
Roads  and  Walks;  Directions  for  the  Approach:  Rules  by  Repton.  Tho  Drive,  and 
minor  walks.    The  introduction  of  fences  and  verdant  hedges. 

"  Strength  may  wield  the  ponderous  spade, 


May  turn  the  clod  and  wheel  the  compost  home  ; 
But  elegance,  chief  grace  the  garden  shows, 
And  most  attractive,  is  the  fair  result 
Of  thought,  the  creature  of  a  polished  mind." 

COWPER. 

ROUND  is  undoubtedly  the  most  unwieldy 
and  ponderous  material  that  comes  under  the 
care  of  the  Landscape  Gardener.  It  is  not 
only  difficult  to  remove,  the  operations  of  the 
leveller  rarely  extending  below  two  or  three  feet  of  the  sur- 
face, but  the  effect  produced  by  a  given  quantity  of  labour 
expended  upon  it,  is  generally  much  less  than  when  the 
same  has  been  bestowed  in  the  formation  of  plantations,  or 
the  erection  of  buildings.  The  achievements  of  art  upon 
ground,  appear  so  trifling  too,  when  we  behold  the  apparent 
facility  with  which  nature  has  arranged  it  in  such  a  variety 
of  forms,  that  the  former  sink  into  insignificance  when  com- 
pared with  the  latter. 

For  these  reasons,  the  operations  to  be  performed  upon 
ground  in  this  country,  will  generally  be  limited  to  the 


TREATMENT  OF  GROUND. — FORMATION  OF  WALKS.    301 

neighbourhood  of  the  house,  or  the  scenery  directly  under 
the  eye.  Here,  by  judicious  levelling  and  smoothing  in 
some  cases,  or  by  raising  gentle  eminences  with  interposing 
hollows  in  others,  much  may  be  done,  at  a  moderate  expense, 
to  improve  the  beauty  of  the  surrounding  landscape. 

It  is,  however,  fortunately  the  case,  that  in  the  modern 
style  of  landscape  improvement,  extensive  and  costly  opera- 
tions upon  ground  are  very  seldom  needed.  By  the  aid  of 
plantations  arranged  as  we  have  already  suggested,  much 
may  be  done  to  soften  too  great  inequality  of  surface,  as 
well  as  to  heighten  the  apparent  magnitude  of  gentle  undu- 
lations. The  art  of  the  improver,  when  employed  upon  this 
material,  will  therefore  be  directed  to  the  production  of  neg- 
ative, rather  than  positive  effects, — to  the  removal  of  exist- 
ing faults  or  blemishes,  rather  than  to  the  creation  of  an 
entirely  new  and  artificial  surface. 

To  pursue  this  method  with  success,  it  is  necessary  that 
he  should  refer  constantly  to  the  principle  which  we  suggested 
in  the  commencement  of  our  remarks :  the  preservation 
of  the  natural  character  of  the  scene,  or,  we  may  here  add, 
the  heightening  of  the  character  intended  for  the  form  of 
the  surface.  We  have  already  remarked  that  scenes  abound- 
ing in  natural  beauty  were  chiefly  characterized  by  gentle 
undulations  of  surface,  and  smooth  easy  transitions  from  the 
level  plain  to  the  softly  swelling  hill  or  flowing  hollow ;  and 
that,  on  the  contrary,  highly  pictiuresque  scenes  exhibited  a 
more  irregular  and  broken  surface,  abounding  with  abrupt 
transitions,  and  more  strongly  marked  elevations,  and  depres- 
sions. 

hi  a  scene  expressive  of  simple  or  graceful  beauty, 
where  the  surface  is  more  or  less  undulating,  the  first  pro- 
ceeding of  the  improver  will  be  to  remove  any  accidental  or 


302  LANDSCAPE  GARDENING. 

natural  deformity  which  may  interfere  with  that  expression. 
Such  are,  unsightly  ridges  of  earth,  small  lumpish  hills,  the 
ragged  elevations  where  old  fences  have  been  removed,  or 
deep  furrows  created  by  the  former  action  of  the  plough.  If 
there  are  any  uncouth  pits  or  ugly  hollows,  such  must  be 
either  filled  up,  or  concealed  by  plantations,  and  all  excres- 
cences that  interfere  with  the  prevailing  expression  of  the 
whole  should  be  removed. 

In  the  next  place,  the  improver  will  examine  the  formation 
of  the  ground,  as  it  appears  naturally.  If  too  rugged, — the 
sweeps  and  undulations  sometimes  easy  and  beautiful,  but  at 
others  hard  and  disconnected, — he  will  endeavour  to  soften 
and  remove  this  inequality.  This  will  be  easily  executed,  if 
some  of  the  eminences  are  broken  into  too  high,  sudden, 
and  abrupt  hills,  by  carefully  lowering  them  into  more 
graceful  elevations,  and  placing  the  superfluous  earth  in  the 
adjacent  hollows  :  proper  regard  being  paid  to  portions  of 
the  scene,  already  pleasing,  by  producing  such  a  surface  as 
will  connect  itself  naturally  with  the  same,  when  the  im- 
provements shall  be  entirely  completed. 

Should  the  surface,  on  the  contrary,  be  somewhat  broken 
or  undulating,  but  not  distinctly  so,  appearing  rather  heavy 
and  undecided  between  a  level,  and  finely  varied  ground,  the 
operations  must  be  directed  in  such  a  manner  as  to  increase 
the  boldness  of  the  whole.  The  ground  of  a  country  resi- 
dence is  often  brought  into  such  a  state  by  the  continued  ac- 
tion of  the  plough  at  some  former  period,  which  has  gradu- 
ally levelled  down  the  gentle  eminences  and  filled  up  the 
hollows,  till  in  some  places,  it  appears  scarcely  struggling  out 
of  a  level.  The  course  is  then  obvious ;  the  superfluous  earth 
which  chokes  up  the  valleys,  must  be  removed  again  to  the 
neighbouring  hills,  where    it   belongs,  when  the   natural 


TREATMENT  OF  GROUND. — FORMATION  OF  WALKS.    303 

beauty  of  the  ground  will  be  restored.  This  is  effected  with 
comparative  facility,  as  every  foot  of  surface  taken  from  the 
depression,  adds  by  removal  two  feet  to  the  height  of  the 
adjoining  elevation. 

The  improvement  of  picturesque  surfaces  must  proceed 
in  a  similar  manner.  When  a  surface  is  naturally  and  truly 
picturesque,  art  will  add  little  or  nothing  to  its  effect.  It 
will  rather  therefore  endeavour  to  produce  a  perfect  whole, 
and  a  connection  between  the  various  parts,  than  to  disturb 
the  existing  features.  In  the  vicinity  of  the  house,  the  artist 
will  soften  down  that  boldness  and  inequality  which,  if  too 
great,  might  interfere  both  with  convenience  and  the  beauty 
of  utility^  which  must  there  be  constantly  kept  in  view. 
Otherwise,  the  beauty  of  picturesque  surfaces  may  be  often 
heightened  by  various  means  within  our  reach ;  such  as  in- 
creasing the  abruptness  of  surface  by  taking  away  a  few  feet 
of  earth,  or  by  adding  other  picturesque  irregularities,  which 
by  connection  may  strengthen  the  expression  of  the  whole. 

Mr.  Price  has  remarked,  that  "  the  ugliest  ground  is  that 
which  has  neither  the  beauty  of  smoothness,  verdure,  and 
gentle  undulation,  nor  the  picturesqueness  of  bold  and  sud- 
den breaks,  and  varied  tints  of  soil :  of  such  kind,  is  ground 
that  has  been  disturbed  and  left  in  that  unfinished  state :  as 
in  a  rough  ploughed  field  run  to  sward."*  Such  ground  it 
is  often  difficult  to  restore  to  a  picturesque  state,  even  when 
that  was  its  previous  expression.  But  it  is  not  impossible  to 
do  so,  for  it  must  be  remembered  that  it  is  not  by  forming 
the  surface  alone  that  nature  renders  it  picturesque,  but  also 
by  the  accessories  and  accompaniments  which  she  liberally 
bestows  upon  the  surface  when  once  formed.     These  are, 

*  Essay  on  the  Picturesque,  I.  193. 


304  LANDSCAPE  GARDENING. 

vegetation,  trees,  rocks,  etc.,  which,  with  the  influence  of 
time,  will  often  render  many  a  scene,  that,  stripped  of  its 
enriching  drapery  would  be  positively  harsh  and  ugly, 
extremely  picturesque,  or  strikingly  beautiful.  Proofs  of 
this  will  occur  to  every  one  who  will  contrast  in  his  mind 
the  appearance  of  a  steep  clayey  river  bank,  or  even  open 
pit,  when  bare,  raw,  and  verdureless,  and  the  same  objects 
when  nature  or  art  has  clothed  them  with  a  luxuriant  and 
diversified  garniture  of  trees,  shrubs,  and  plants.  In  the 
former  case,  all  was  positively  ugly  and  displeasing  to  the 
eye  of  taste  ;  in  the  latter,  all  is  picturesque  and  harmo- 
nious. 

A  perfect  flat,  or  level  surface  is  often  the  most  difficult 
to  improve  of  any  description  of  ground.  In  some  cases,  as 
in  the  example  of  a  very  large  park,  with  an  immense 
building,  a  level  surface  may  be  in  excellent  keeping,  giv- 
ing an  air  of  grandeur  to  the  whole  scene :  for  both  the 
simplicity,  and  the  wide  extent  of  a  level  plain  in  such  a 
situation,  would  be  highly  expressive  of  grandeur  when 
united  to  a  fine  pile  of  building.  But  ordinarily,  a  flat  sur- 
face is  extremely  dull  and  uninteresting.  One  unbroken 
plain  of  green  is  spread  before  the  eye,  varied  by  none  of 
those  changing  lights  and  shadows  that  belong  to  a  finely 
undulating  lawn.  It  is  true  that  this  affects  the  mind  dif- 
ferently in  certain  situations,  as  a  broad  plain  is  a  delightful 
contrast  and  source  of  repose  in  a  mountainous  country. 
But  we  here  speak  of  the  greater  part  of  the  surface  of  the 
United  States,  where  country  seats  are  located,  and  where  it 
will  be  found,  that  a  diversified  surface  is  greatly  to  be 
preferred  to  a  dead  level. 

Where  such  a  level  exists,  in  some  situations,  it  is  almost 
impossible  to  improve  it  much.     When,  for  illustration,  the 


TREATMENT  OF  GROUND. — FORMATION  OP  WALKS.    305 

whole  surrounding  country  is  equally  tame  and  flat,  the 
creation  by  artificial  means,  of  undulations,  hills,  or  hollows 
in  a  park,  would  be  in  such  evident  contradiction  to  the 
natural  formation,  that  the  eye  would  at  once  detect  it  as  a 
deception,  harmonizing  badly  with  general  nature.  The 
best  that  can  be  done  in  such  cases,  is  perhaps,  to  produce 
the  greatest  possible  beauty,  by  plantations  and  buildings, 
and  not  to  attempt  any  alterations  of  surface,  which  would 
be  insignificant  and  absurd. 

When,  however,  this  is  not  the  case,  but  the  grounds 
themselves,  though  nearly  level,  are  surrounded  by  more 
bold  and  spirited  variations  of  surface,  a  great  deal  may  be 
effected.  In  those  portions  of  the  grounds  nearest  the  sur- 
rounding inequalities,  the  latter  may  be  apparently  carried 
into  the  former,  and  the  artificial  sweeps,  breaks,  or  midula- 
tions  in  the  park  may  be  so  connected  with  each  other,  and 
with  the  neighbouring  irregularities,  as  to  produce  the  effect 
of  accordant  art  joined  to  the  charm  of  natural  expression. 

The  error  into  which  inexperienced  improvers  are  con- 
stantly liable  to  fall,  is  a  want  of  breadth  and  extent  in  their 
designs  ;  which  latter,  when  executed,  are  so  feeble  as  to  be 
full  of  littlenesses^  out  of  keeping  with  the  magnitude  of  the 
surromiding  scene.  Their  designs,  like  the  sketches  of  a 
novice  in  drawing,  are  cramped  and  meagre.  This  is  ex- 
emplified in  gromid,  by  their  producing,  instead  of  easy 
undulations,  nothing  but  a  succession  of  short  sweeps  and 
hillocks,  like  waves  in  the  ocean.  Now  the  most  beautiful 
variation  in  ground  is  undoubtedly  that  of  gradually  vary- 
ing lines  and  insensible  transitions  of  surface,  and  these 
should  correspond  in  magnitude  and  breadth  to  the  size  and 
style  of  the  place.  Such  surfaces  are  full  of  the  flowing 
lines,  and  rounded  smoothnesses,  which  Burke  considers 
39 


306  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

characteristic  of  beauty,  or  the  long  undulations  exhibit  the 
outlines  of  Hogarth's  favourite  line  of  grace. 

In  places  of  large  extent  there  may  be  scenes  in  different 
portions  of  the  park,  of  totally  different  character  ;  one  sim- 
ply beautiful,  abounding  with  graceful  and  flowing  lines, 
and  another  highly  picturesque,  and  full  of  spirited  breaks 
and  variations  ;  such  often  form  very  pleasing  and  striking 
contrasts  to  each  other,  and  should  therefore,  by  all  means, 
be  preserved  :  but  they  should  also  be  rendered  distinct  by 
their  own  surrounding  plantations,  else  much  of  tiieir  effect 
as  a  whole,  when  separately  considered,  will  be  lost  upon 
the  spectator.  For  it  should  be  remembered  the  mind  is 
incapable  of  appreciating,  or  doing  justice,  to  two  distinct 
and  dissimilar  expressions  at  the  same  time.  Whatever  be 
the  scene  to  be  improved,  therefore,  it  should  be  taken  by 
itself  and  considered  as  a  whole,  if  the  eye  command  that 
scene  alone.  Then  the  improver  can  proceed  on  the  prin- 
ciple that  every  piece  of  ground  is  distinguished  by  certain 
properties  :  it  is  either  tame  or  bold,  graceful  or  rude,  con- 
tinued or  broken  ;  and  if  any  variety  inconsistent  with  these 
expressions  be  obtruded,  it  has  no  other  effect  than  to 
weaken  one  idea  without  raising  another.  "  The  insipi- 
dity of  a  fiat  is  not  taken  away  by  a  few  scattered  hillocks  ; 
a  continuation  of  uneven  ground  can  alone  give  the  idea  of 
irregularity,  A  large,  deep,  abrupt  break,  among  easy- 
swells  and  falls,  seems  at  best  but  a  piece  left  unfinished, 
and  which  ought  to  have  been  softened  ;  it  is  not  more 
natural  because  it  is  more  rude.  On  the  other  hand,  a  fine 
small  polished  form,  in  the  midst  of  rough,  mis-shapen 
ground,  though  more  elegant  than"  all  about  it,  is  generally 
no  better  than  a  patch,  itself  disgraced  and  disfiguring  the 
scene.     A  thousand  instances  might  be  added  to  show  that 


g'REATMENT  OF  GROUND. — FORMATION  OF  WALKS.    307 

the  prevailing  idea  ought  to  pervade  every  part,  so  far  at 
least  indispensably,  as  to  exclude  whatever  distracts  it,  and 
as  much  further  as  possible  to  accommodate  the  character 
of  the  ground  to  that  of  the  scene  to  which  it  belongs."* 

Rocks,  either  in  detached  fragments  or  large  masses, 
enter  into  the  composition  of  many  scenes,  and  sometimes 
have  an  excellent  effect.  Indeed  much  of  the  spirit  of  pic- 
turesque scenery,  is  often  owing  to  the  bold  projections 
made  by  rocks  in  various  forms.  An  overhanging  cliff,  or 
steep  precipice,  a  moss  covered  rocky  bank,  or  even  a  group 
of  rocks  on  a  ledge,  from  which  springs  a  tuft  of  trees  and 
shrubs — all  these  give  strength  to  a  picturesque  scene. 
Their  effect  may  often  be  rendered  more  striking  by  art ; 
sometimes  by  removing  the  earth  or  loose  stones  from  the 
bottom  of  the  precipice,  so  as  greatly  to  increase  its  apparent 
height — for  the  perpendicular  position  is  the  finest  in  which 
rocks  can  be  viewed.  At  other  times,  the  effect  of  a  con- 
tinuous range  of  rocks  may  be  much  improved,  by  planting 
the  summit,  and  making  occasional  breaks  of  verdure  in 
the  front  surface. 

Rocks  which  are  too  apparent,  and  which  cannot  be  re- 
moved, may  be  concealed  with  trees  and  vegetation,  or  par- 
tially covered  with  vines  and  creepers.  The  latter  often 
have  a  beautiful  effect  in  picturesque  scenery,  and  we  have 
seen  very  charming  pictures  formed  of  over-arching  cliffs 
and  groups  of  rock,  upon  which  hung  and  rambled  in 
luxuriant   profusion,   a  rich  mixture  of    climbing  plants. 

*  fllr.  Whately  has  given  such  minute  and  excellent  details  in  relation  to  this 
subject,  in  his  ObservatioTis  on  Modern  Gardening,  that  we  gladly  refer  the  reader 
who  desires  to  pursue  this  subject  farther,  to  that  work  :  which  indeed  is  so  un- 
ex«eptionable  in  style  and  good  taste,  that  Alison  has  frequently  quoted  it  in 
illustration  of  his  admirable  Essay  on  Taste. 


308  LANDSCAPE  GARDENING. 

Where  rocks  thus  accidentally  occur  iii  beautiful  scenes,  to 
which  they  if  left  bare  would  be  inimical,  they  may  be 
wonderfully  softened  and  brought  into  keeping  by  a  cover- 
ing of  the  honeysuckle,  the  Ivy,  the  Virginia  creeper,  and 
other  species  of  the  gayest  and  most  luxuriant  flowering 
vines. 

Loose  and  detached  fragments  of  rocks  can  never  be 
permitted  to  lie  scattered  about  the  lawn,  in  any  style.  In 
a  scene  expressive  of  graceful  beauty,  of  course  they  would 
be  entirely  out  of  place  :  and  in  a  picturesque  scene,  they 
should  only  be  suffered  to  remain  in  spots  where  they  have 
some  evident  connection  with  larger  masses.  If  they  were 
allowed  to  lie  loosely  around,  they  would  only  give  an  air 
of  confused  wildness,  opposed  to  every  thing  like  the  ele- 
gance of  tasteful  art  or  the  comfort  of  a  country  residence  ; 
but  if  only  seen  in  particular  spots  where  they  evidently 
belong,  they  will,  by  contrast,  give  force  and  spirit  to  the 
whole.  We  do  not  now  speak  of  large  rounded  boulders 
or  smooth  stones,  such  as  are  seen  lying  about  the  soil  in 
some  of  our  valley  tracts  ;  as  such  are  void  of  interest,  and, 
unless  they  are  large,  or  in  some  degree  remarkable,  they 
ought  to  be  at  once  removed  out  of  the  way.  Characteristic 
and  picturesque  rocks,  are  those  with  firm,  rugged,  and  dis- 
tinct outlines,  externally  covered  with  a  coating  of  weather 
stains,  dark  lichens,  or  mosses,  and  which  meet  the  eye 
with  a  mellow  and  softened  tone  of  colour. 

Roads  and  walks  are  so  directly  connected  with  opera- 
tions on  the  surface  of  the  ground,  and  with  the  disposition 
of  plantations,  which  we  have  already  made  familiar  to  the 
reader,  that  we  shall  introduce  in  this  place  a  few  remarks 
relative  to  their  direction  and  formation.  A  French  writer 
has  remarked  of  them  that  they  are  "  les  rubans  qui  attachent 


:he  Eavine  Walk  at  Blithewcod 


TREATMENT  OF  GROUND. — FORMATION  OF  WALKS.    309 

le  bouquet,"  and  they  certainly  serve  as  the  connecting  me- 
dium between  the  different  parts  of  the  estate,  as  well  as  the 
means  of  displaying  its  various  beauties,  peculiarities,  and 
finest  points  of  prospect. 

The  Ajyproach  is  by  far  the  most  important  of  these 
routes.  It  is  the  private  road,  leading  from  the  public  high- 
way, directly  to  the  house  itself.  It  should  therefore  bear 
a  proportionate  breadth  and  size,  and  exhibit  marks  of  good 
keeping,  in  accordance  with  the  dignity  of  the  mansion. 

In  the  ancient  style  of  gardening,  the  Approach  was  so 
formed  as  to  enter  directly  in  front  of  the  house,  affording 
a  full  view  of  that  portion  of  the  edifice,  and  no  other.  A 
line  drawn  as  directly  as  possible,  and  evenly  bordered  on 
each  side  with  a  tall  avenue  of  trees,  was  the  whole  expen- 
diture of  art  necessary  in  its  formation.  It  is  true,  the  sim- 
plicity of  design  was  often  more  than  counterbalanced  by 
the  difiiculty  of  levelling,  grading,  and  altering  the  surface, 
necessary  to  please  the  geometric  eye  ;  but  the  rules  were 
as  plain  and  unchangeable,  as  the  lines  were  parallel  and 
undeviating. 

In  the  present  more  advanced  state  of  Landscape  Garden- 
ing, the  formation  of  the  Approach  has  become  equally  a 
matter  of  artistical  skill  with  other  details  of  the  art.  The 
house  is  generally  so  approached,  that  the  eye  shall  first 
meet  it  in  an  angular  direction,  displaying  not  only  the 
beauty  of  the  architectural  fagade,  but  also  one  of  the  end 
elevations,  thus  giving  a  more  complete  idea  of  the  size, 
character,  or  elegance  of  the  building :  and  instead  of  lead- 
ing in  a  direct  line,  from  the  gate  to  the  house,  it  curves  in 
easy  lines  through  certain  portions  of  the  park  or  lawn, 
until  it  reaches  that  object. 

If  the  point  where  the  Approach  is  to  start  from  the  high- 


310  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

way,  be  not  already  determined  past  alteration,  it  should  be 
so  chosen,  as  to  afford  a  sufficient  drive  through  the  grounds 
before  arriving  at  the  house,  to  give  the  stranger  some  idea 
of  the  extent  of  the  whole  property  :  to  allow  an  agreeable 
diversity  of  surface  over  which  to  lead  it :  and  lastly  in 
such  a  manner  as  not  to  interfere  with  the  convenience  of 
ready  access  to  and  from  the  mansion. 

This  point  being  decided,  and  the  other  being  the  mansion 
and  adjacent  buildings,  it  remains  to  lay  out  the  road  in  such 
gradual  curves  as  will  appear  easy  and  graceful,  without 
verging  into  rapid  turns,  or  formal  stiffness.  Since  the  mod- 
em style  has  become  partially  known  and  adopted  here,  some 
persons  appear  to  have  supposed  that  nature  "  has  a  horror 
of  straight  lines,"  and  consequently,  believing  that  they  could 
not  possibly  err,  they  immediately  ran  into  the  other  extreme, 
filling  their  grounds  with  zig-zag  and  regularly  serpentine 
roads,  still  more  horrible  :  which  can  only  be  compared  to 
the  contortions  of  a  wounded  snake  dragging  its  way  slowly 
over  the  earth. 

There  are  two  guiding  principles  which  have  been  laid 
down  for  the  formation  of  Approaxjh  roads.  The  first,  that 
the  curves  should  never  be  so  great,  or  lead  over  surfaces  so 
unequal,  as  to  make  it  disagreeable  to  drive  upon  them ;  and 
the  second,  that  the  road  should  never  curve  without  some 
reason,  either  real  or  apparent. 

The  most  natural  method  of  forming  a  winding  Approach 
where  the  ground  is  gently  undulating,  is  to  follow,  in  some 
degree,  the  depressions  of  surface,  and  to  curve  round  the 
eminences.  This  is  an  excellent  method,  so  long  as  it  does 
not  lead  us  in  too  circuitous  a  direction,  nor,  as  we  before 
hinted,  make  the  road  itself  too  uneven.  When  either  of 
these  happen,  the  easy,  gradual  flow  of  the  curve  in  the 


TREATMENT  OF  GROUND. — FORMATION  OF  WALKS.    311 

proper  direction,  must  be  maintained  by  levelling  or  grading, 
to  produce  the  proper  surface. 

Nothing  can  be  more  unmeaning  than  to  see  an  Approach, 
or  any  description  of  road,  winding  hither  and  thither, 
through  an  extensive  level  lawn  towards  the  house,  without 
the  least  apparent  reason  for  the  curves.  Happily,  we  are 
not  therefore  obliged  to  return  to  the  straight  line ;  but 
gradual  curves  may  always  be  so  arranged  as  to  appear 
necessarily  to  wind  round  the  groiips  of  trees^  which  other- 
wise would  stand  in  the  way.  Wherever  a  bend  in  the  road 
is  intended,  a  cluster  or  group  of  greater  or  less  size  and 
breadth,  proportionate  to  the  curve,  should  be  placed  in  the 
projection  formed.  These  trees,  as  soon  as  they  attain  some 
size,  if  they  are  properly  arranged,  we  may  suppose  to  have 
originally  stood  there,  and  the  road  naturally  to  have 
curved,  to  avoid  destroying  them. 

This  arrangement  of  trees  bordering  an  extended  Approach 
road,  in  connection  with  the  various  other  groups,  masses, 
and  single  trees,  in  the  adjacent  lawn,  will  in  nibst  cases 
have  the  effect  of  concealing  the  house  from  the  spectator 
approaching  it,  except,  perhaps,  from  one  or  two  points.  It 
has  therefore  been  considered  a  matter  worthy  of  considera- 
tion, at  what  point  or  points  the  first  vieio  of  the  house  shall 
be  obtained.  If  seen  at  too  great  a  distance,  as  in  the  case 
of  a  large  estate,  it  may  appear  more  diminutive  and  of  less 
magnitude  than  it  should  ;  or,  if  first  viewed  at  some  other 
position,  it  may  strike  the  eye  of  a  stranger,  at  that  point, 
unfavourably.  The  best,  and  indeed  the  only  way  to  de- 
cide the  matter,  is  to  go  over  the  whole  ground  covered  by 
the  Approach  route  carefully,  and  select  a  spot  or  spots  suf- 
ficiently near  to  give  the  most  favourable  and  striking  view 
of  the  house  itself.     This,  if  openings  are  to  be  made,  can 


312 


LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 


only  be  done  in  winter ;  but  when  the  ground  is  to  be 
newly  planted,  it  may  be  prosecuted  at  any  season. 

The  late  Mr.  Repton,  who  was  one  of  the  most  celebrated 
English  practical  landscape  gardeners,  has  laid  down  in 
one  of  his  works,  the  following  rules  on  the  subject,  which 
we  quote,  not  as  applying  in  all  cases,  but  to  show  what  are 
generally  thought  the  principal  requisites  of  this  road  in  the 
modern  style. 

First.  It  ought  to  be  a  road  to  the  house,  and  to  that  prin- 
cipally. 

Secondly.  If  it  be  not  naturally  the  nearest  road  possible, 
it  ought  artificially  to  be  made  to  appear  so. 

Thirdly.  The  artificial  obstacles  which  make  this  road 
the  nearest,  ought  to  appear  natural. 

Fourthly.  Where  an  approach  quits  the  high  road,  it  ought 
not  to  break  from  it  at  right  angles,  or  in  such  a  manner  as 
to  rob  the  entrance  of  importance,  but  rather  at  some  bend  of 
the  public  road,  from  which  a  lodge  or  gate  may  be  more 
conspicui^us ;  and  where  the  high  road  may  appear  to 
branch  from  the  approach,  rather  than  the  approach  from  the 
high  road. 

Fifthly.  After  the  approach  enters  the  park,  it  should  avoid 
skirting  along  its  boundary,  which  betrays  the  want  of  extent 
or  unity  of  property. 

Sixthly.  The  house,  unless  very  large  and  magnificent, 
should  not  be  seen  at  so  great  a  distance  as  to  make  it  ap- 
pear much  less  than  it  really  is. 

Seventhly.  The  first  view  of  the  house  should  be  from  the 
most  pleasing  point  of  sight. 

Eighthly.  As  soon  as  the  house  is  visible  from  the  ap- 
proach, there  should  be  no  temptation  to  quit  it,  (which  will 
ever  be  the  case  if  the  road  be  at  all  circuitous,)  unless  suffi- 


TREATMENT  OF  GROUND. — FORMATION  OP  WALKS.    313 

cient  obstacles,  such  as  water  or  inaccessible  ground  appear 
to  justify  its  course.* 

Although  there  are  many  situations  where  these  rules  must 
be  greatly  modified  in  practice,  yet  the  improver  will  do  well 
to  bear  them  in  mind,  as  it  is  infinitely  more  easy  to  make 
occasional  deviations  from  general  rules,  than  to  carry  out  a 
tasteful  improvement  without  any  guiding  principles. 

There  are  many  fine  country  residences  on  the  banks  of 
the  Hudson,  Connecticut,  and  other  rivers,  where  the  proprie- 
tors are  often  much  perplexed  and  puzzled  by  the  situation 
of  their  houses  ;  the  building  presenting  really  tivo  fronts^ 
while  they  appear  to  desire  only  one.  Such  is  the  case  when 
the  estate  is  situated  between  the  public  road  on  one  side,  and 
the  river  on  the  other ;  and  we  have  often  seen  the  Approach 
artificially  tortured  into  a  long  circuitous  route,  in  order 
finally  to  arrive  at  what  the  proprietor  considers  the  true  front, 
viz :  the  side  nearest  the  river.  When  a  building  is  so  situa- 
ted, much  the  most  elegant  efiect  is  produced  by  having  two 
fronts :  one,  the  entrance  front ,  with  the  porch  or  portico 
nearest  the  road,  and  the  other,  the  river  front,  facing  the 
water.  The  beauty  of  the  whole  is  often  surprisingly  en- 
hanced by  this  arrangement,  for  the  visiter  after  passing  by 
the  Approach  through  a  considerable  portion  of  the  grounds, 
Avith  perhaps,  but  slight  and  partial  glimpses  of  the  river,  is 
most  agreeably  surprised  on  entering  the  house,  and  looking 
from  the  drawing-room  windows  of  the  other  front,  to  behold 
another  beautiful  scene  totally  diiferent  from  the  last,  en- 
riched and  ennobled  by  the  wide-spread  sheet  of  water  before 
him.  Much  of  the  effect  produced  by  this  agreeable  surprise 
from  the  interior,  it  will  readily  be  seen,  would  be  lost,  if  the 

*  Repton's  Enquiry  into  the  changes  of  taste  in  Landscape  Gardening,  p.  109. 

40 


314  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

Stranger  had  already  driven  round  and  alighted  on  the  river 
front. 

The  Drive,  is  a  variety  of  road  rarely  seen  among  us,  yet 
T  hich  may  be  made  a  very  agreeable  feature  in  some  of  our 
country  residences,  at  a  small  expense.  It  is  intended  for  ex- 
ercise more  secluded  than  that  upon  the  public  road,  and  to 
show  the  interesting  portions  of  the  place  from  the  carriage, 
or  on  horseback.  Of  course  it  can  only  be  formed  upon  places 
of  considerable  extent ;  but  it  enhances  the  enjoyment  of  such 
places  very  highly,  in  the  estimation  of  those  who  are  fond  of 
equestrian  exercises.  It  generally  commences  where  the  ap- 
proach terminates,  viz.,  near  the  house :  and  from  thence, 
proceeds  in  the  same  easy  curvelinear  manner,  through 
various  parts  of  the  grounds,  farm,  or  estate.  Sometimes  it 
sweeps  through  the  pleasure  grounds,  and  returns  along  the 
very  beach  of  the  river,  beneath  the  fine  overhanging  foliage 
of  its  projecting  bank — sometimes  it  proceeds  towards  some 
favourite  point  of  view,  or  interesting  spot  in  the  landscape  ; 
or  at  others  it  leaves  the  lawn  and  traverses  the  farm,  giving 
the  proprietor  an  opportunity  to  examine  his  crops,  or  exhibit 
his  agricultural  resources  to  his  friends. 

Walks  are  laid  out  for  purposes  similar  to  Drives,  but  are 
much  more  common,  and  may  be  introduced  into  every  scene, 
hov/ever  limited.  They  are  intended  solely  for  promenades 
or  exercise  on  foot,  and  should  therefore  be  dry  and  firm, 
if  possible,  at  all  seasons  when  it  is  desirable  to  use  them. 
Some  may  be  open  to  the  south,  sheltered  with  evergreens, 
and  made  dry  and  hard,  for  a  warm  promenade  in  winter ; 
others  formed  of  closely  mown  turf,  and  thickly  shaded  by  a 
leafy  canopy  of  verdure,  for  a  cool  retreat  in  the  midst  of 
summer.  Others  again  may  lead  to  some  sequestered  spot, 
and  terminate  in  a  secluded  rustic  seat,  or  conduct  to  some 


TREATMENT  OF  GROUND. — FORMATION  OF  WALKS.    315 

shaded  dell  or  rugged  eminence,  where  an  extensive  prospect 
can  be  enjoyed.  Indeed,  the  genius  of  the  place  must  sug- 
gest the  direction,  length,  and  number  of  the  walks  to  be  laid 
out,  as  no  fixed  rules  can  be  imposed  in  a  subject  so  ever- 
changing  and  different.  It  should  however,  never  be  forgot- 
ten, that  the  walk  ought  always  to  correspond  to  the  scene 
it  traverses,  being  rough  where  the  latter  is  wild  and  pictu- 
resque, sometimes  scarcely  diifering  from  a  common  footpath, 
and  more  polished,  as  the  surrounding  objects  show  evidences 
of  culture  and  high  keeping.  In  direction^  like  the  ap- 
proach, it  should  take  easy  flowing  curves,  though  it  may 
often  turn  more  abruptly  at  the  interposition  of  an  obstacle. 
The  chief  beauty  of  curved  and  bending  lines  in  walks,  lies 
in  the  new  scenes,  which  by  means  of  them  are  opened  to  the 
eye.  In  the  straight  walk  of  half  a  mile  the  whole  is  seen 
at  a  glance,  and  there  is  too  often  but  little  to  excite  the  spec- 
tator to  pursue  the  search ;  but  in  the  modern  style,  at  every 
few  rods,  a  new  turn  in  the  walk  opens  a  new  prospect  to  the 
beholder,  and  "  leads  the  eye,  as  Hogarth  graphically  ex- 
pressed it,  "  a  kind  of  wanton  chase,"  continually  afibrding 
new  refreshment  and  variety. 

Fences  are  often  among  the  most  unsightly  and  otfensive 
objects  in  our  country  seats.  Some  persons  appear  to  have 
a  passion  for  subdividing  their  grounds  into  a  great  number 
of  fields ;  a  process  which  is  scarcely  ever  advisable  even  in 
common  farms,  but  for  which  there  can  be  no  apology  in 
elegant  residences.  The  close  proximity  of  fences  to  the 
house  gives  the  whole  place  a  confined  and  mean  character. 
"  The  mind,"  says  Repton,  "  feels  a  certain  disgust  under  a 
sense  of  confinement  in  any  situation  however  beautiful."  A 
wide-spread  lawn,  on  the  contrary,  where  no  boundaries  are 
conspicuous,  conveys  an  impression  of  ample  extent  and  space 


316  LANDSCAPE  GARDENING. 

for  enjoyment.  It  is  frequently  the  case  that,  on  that  side 
of  the  house  nearest  the  outbuildings,  fences  are,  for  conve- 
nience, brought  in  its  close  neighbourhood,  and  here  they  are 
easily  concealed  by  plantations ;  but  on  the  other  sides,  open 
and  unobstructed  views  should  be  preserved,  by  removing 
all  barriers  not  absolutely  necessary. 

Nothing  is  more  common,  in  the  places  of  cockneys  who 
become  inhabitants  of  the  country,  than  a  display  immedi- 
ately around  the  dwelling  of  a  spruce  paling  of  carpentry, 
neatly  made,  and  painted  white  or  green  ;  an  abomination 
among  the  fresh  fields,  of  which  no  person  of  taste  could  be 
guilty.  To  fence  off  a  small  plot  around  a  fine  house,  in  the 
midst  of  a  lawn  of  fifty  acres,  is  a  perversity  which  we  could 
never  reconcile,  with  even  the  lowest  perception  of  beauty. 
An  old  stone  wall  covered  with  creepers  and  climbing  plants, 
may  become  a  picturesque  barrier  a  thousand  times  superior 
to  such  a  fence.  But  there  is  never  one  instance  in  a  thou- 
sand where  any  barrier  is  necessary.  Where  it  is  desirable  to 
separate  the  house  from  the  level  grass  of  the  lawn,  let  it  be 
done  by  an  architectural  terrace  of  stone,  or  a  raised  platform 
of  gravel  supported  by  turf,  which  will  confer  importance 
and  dignity  upon  the  building,  instead  of  giving  it  a  petty 
and  trifling  expression. 

Verdant  hedges  are  elegant  substitutes  for  stone  or  wooden 
fences,  and  Ave  are  surprised  that  their  use  has  not  been 
hitherto  more  general.  We  have  ourselves  been  making 
experiments  for  the  last  ten  years  with  various  hedge-plants, 
and  have  succeeded  in  obtaining  some  hedges  which  are 
now  highly  admired.  Five  or  six  years  will,  in  this  climate, 
under  proper  care,  be  sufficient  to  produce  hedges  of  great 
beauty,  capable  of  withstanding  the  attacks  of  every  kind 
of  cattle  ;  barriers,  too,  which  will  outlast  many  generations. 


TREATMENT  OP  GROUND. — FORMATION  OP  WALKS.    317 

The  common  Arbor  VitfB,  (or  flat  Cedar,)  which  grows  in 
great  abundance  in  many  districts,  forms  one  of  the  most 
superb  hedges,  without  the  least  care  in  trimming ;  the 
foliage  growing  thickly,  down  to  the  very  ground,  and 
being  evergreen,  the  hedge  remains  clothed  the  whole  year. 
Our  common  Thorns,  and  in  particular  those  known  in  the 
nurseries  as  the  Newcastle  and  Washington  thorns,  form 
hedges  of  great  strength  and  beauty.  They  are  indeed 
much  better  adapted  to  this  climate  than  the  English  Haw- 
thorn, which  often  suffers  from  the  unclouded  radiance  of 
our  midsummer  sun.  In  autumn,  too,  it  loses  its  foliage 
much  sooner  than  our  native  sorts,  some  of  which  assume  a 
brilliant  scarlet  when  the  foliage  is  fading  in  autumn.  In 
New-England,  the  Buckthorn  is  preferred  from  its  rapid  and 
luxuriant  growth  ;*  and  in  the  southern  states,  the  Madura, 
or  Osage  Orange,  is  becoming  a  favourite  for  its  glossy  and 
polished  foliage.  The  Privet  or  Prim,  is  a  rapid  growing 
shrub,  well  fitted  for  interior  divisions.  Picturesque  hedges 
are  easily  formed  by  intermingling  a  variety  of  flowering 
shrubs,  sweet  briers,  etc.,  and  allowing  the  whole  to  grow 
together  in  rich  masses.  For  this  purpose  the  Michigan  rose 
is  admirably  adapted  at  the  north,  and  the  Cherokee  rose  at 
the  south.  In  all  cases  where  hedges  are  employed  in  the 
natural  style  of  landscape,  (and  not  in  close  connection 
with  highly  artificial  objects,  buildings,  etc.,)  a  more  agree- 
able effect  will  be  produced  by  allowing  the  hedge  to  grow 
somewhat  irregular  in  form,  or  varying  it  by  planting  near 
it  other  small  trees  and  shrubs  to  break  the  outline,  than  by 
clipping  it  in  even  and  formal  lines.     Hedges  may  be  ob- 

*  The  Buckthorn  is  perhaps  the  best  plant  where  a  thick  screen  is  very  speedily- 
desired.  It  is  not  liable  to  the  attack  of  insects,  grows  very  thickly  at  the  bottom, 
at  once,  and  will  make  an  efficient  screen  sooner  than  almost  any  other  plant. 


318  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

tained,  in  a  single  season,  by  planting  long  shoots  of  the  osier 
willow,  or  any  other  tree  which  throws  out  roots  easily  from 
cuttings. 

A  simple  and  pleasing  barrier,  in  good  keeping  with  cot- 
tage residences,  may  be  formed  of  rustic  work,  as  it  is  termed. 
For  this  purpose,  stout  rods  of  any  of  our  native  forest  trees 
are  chosen,  with  the  bark  on,  six  to  ten  feet  in  length ;  these 
are  sharpened  and  driven  into  the  ground  in  the  form  of  a 
lattice,  or  wrought  into  any  figures  of  trellis  that  the  fancy 
may  suggest.  When  covered  with  luxuriant  vines  and 
climbing  plants,  such  a  barrier  is  often  admirable  for  its 
richness  and  variety. 

The  sunk  fence,  fosse,  or  ha-ha,  is  an  English  invention, 
used  in  separating  that  portion  of  the  lawn  near  the  house, 
from  the  part  grazed  by  deer  or  cattle,  and  is  only  a  ditch 
suiSciently  wide  and  deep  to  render  communication  diificult 
on  opposite  sides.  When  the  ground  slopes  from  the  house, 
such  a  sunk  fence  is  invisible  to  a  person  near  the  latter,  and 
answers  the  purpose  of  a  barrier  without  being  in  the  least 
obtrusive. 

In  a  succeeding  section  we  shall  refer  to  terraces  with  their 
parapets,  which  are  by  far  the  most  elegant  barriers  for  a 
highly  decorated  flower  garden,  or  for  the  purpose  of  main- 
taining a  proper  connection  between  the  house  and  the 
grounds,  a  subject  which  is  scarcely  at  all  attended  to,  or  its 
importance  even  recognized  as  yet  among  us. 


TREATMENT  OF  WATER.  319 


SECTION  VIIL 


TREATMENT    OF    WATER. 


Beautiful  effects  of  this  element  in  nature.  In  what  cases  it  is  desirable  to  attempt  the  forma- 
tion of  artificial  pieces  of  water.  Regular  forms  unpleasing.  Directions  for  the  formation 
of  ponds  or  lakes  in  the  irregular  manner.  Study  of  natural  lakes.  Islands.  Planting  the 
margin.  Treatment  of  natural  brooks  and  rivulets.  Cascades  and  waterfalls.  Legitimate 
sphere  of  the  art  in  tliis  department. 

The  dale 


With  woods  o'erhung,  and  shagg'd  with  mossy  rocks, 
Whence  on  each  hand  the  gushing  waters  play, 
And  down  the  rough  cascade  white-dashing  fall, 
Or  gleam  in  lengthened  vista  through  the  trees. 

Thompson. 


^•SS^I* 


H  E  delightful  and  captivating  eiFects  of 
water  in  landscapes  of  every  description, 
are  universally  known  and  admitted.  The 
boundless  sea,  the  broad  full  river,  the  dashing  noisy  brook, 
and  the  limpid  meandering  rivulet,  are  all  possessed  of  their 
peculiar  charms  ;  and  when  combined  with  scenes  otherwise 
finely  disposed  and  well  wooded,  they  add  a  hundred  fold  to 
their  beauty.  The  soft  and  trembling  shadows  of  the  sur- 
rounding trees  and  hills,  as  they  fall  upon  a  placid  sheet  of 
water — the  brilliant  light  which  the  crystal  surface  reflects 
in  pure  sunshine,  mirroring  too,  at  times  in  its  resplendent 
bosom,  all  the  cerulean  depth  and  snowy  whiteness  of  the 


320  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

overhanging  sky,  give  it  an  almost  magical  effect  in  a  beau- 
tiful landscape.     The  murmur  of  the  babbling  brook,  that 

"  In  linked  sweetness  long  drawn  out," 

falls  upon  the  ear  in  some  quiet  secluded  spot,  is  inexpressi- 
bly soothing  and  delightful  to  the  mind ;  and  the  deeper 
sound  of  a  cascade  that  rushes,  with  an  almost  musical 
dash,  over  its  bed  of  moss-covered  rock,  is  one  of  the  most 
fascinating  of  the  many  elements  of  enjoyment  in  a  fine 
country  seat.  The  simplest  or  the  most  monotonous  view 
may  be  enlivened  by  the  presence  of  water  in  any  con- 
siderable quantity,  and  the  most  picturesque  and  striking 
landscape  will,  by  its  addition,  receive  a  new  charm,  in- 
expressibly enhancing  all  its  former  interest.  In  short,  as 
no  place  can  be  considered  perfectly  complete  without  either 
a  water  view,  or  water  upon  its  own  grounds,  wherever 
it  does  not  so  exist,  and  can  be  easily  formed  by  artificial 
means,  no  man  will  neglect  to  take  advantage  of  so  fine  a 
source  of  embellishment  as  is  this  element  in  some  of  its 
varied  forms. 

" Fleuves,  ruisseax,  beaux  lacs,  claires  fontaines. 


Venez,  portez  partout  la  vie  et  la  fraicheur ; 
Ah  !  qui  pent  reraplacer  votre  aspect  enchanteur  ? 
De  pres  il  nous  amuse,  et  de  loin  nous  invite : 
C'est  le  premier  qu'on  cherche,  et  le  dernier  qu'on  quitte. 
Vous  fecondes  les  champs  ;  vous  repetez  les  cieux, 
'  Vous  enchantez  I'oreille,  et  vous  charmez  les  yeux." 

In  this  country,  where  the  progress  of  gardening  and  im- 
provements of  this  nature,  is  rather  shown  in  a  simple  and 
moderate  embellishment  of  a  large  number  of  villas  and 
country  seats,  than  by  a  lavish  and  profuse  expenditure  on 
a  few  entailed  places,  as  in  the.  residences  of  the  English 


TREATMENT    OF    WATER.  321 

nobility,  the  formation  of  large  pieces  of  water  at  great  cost, 
and  extreme  labour,  would  be  considered  both  absurd  and 
uncalled  for.  Indeed,  when  nature  has  so  abundantly- 
spread  before  us  such  an  endless  variety  of  superb  lakes, 
rivers,  and  streams  of  every  size  and  description,  the  efforts 
of  man  to  rival  her  great  works  by  mere  imitation,  would, 
in  most  cases,  only  become  ludicrous  by  contrast. 

When,  however,  a  number  of  perpetual  springs  cluster 
together,  or  a  rill,  rivulet,  or  brook,  runs  through  an  estate 
in  such  a  manner  as  easily  to  be  improved  or  developed 
into  an  elegant  expanse  of  water  in  any  part  of  the  grounds, 
we  should  not  hesitate  to  take  advantage  of  so  fortunate  a 
circumstance.  Besides  the  additional  beauty  conferred  upon 
the  whole  place  by  such  an  improvement,  the  proprietor  may 
also  derive  an  inducement  from  its  utility  ;  for  the  posses- 
sion of  a  small  lake,  well  stocked  with  carp,  trout,  pickerel, 
or  any  other  of  the  excellent  pond  fish,  which  thrive  and 
propagate  extremely  well  in  clear  fresh  water,  is  a  real 
advantage  which  no  one  will  undervalue. 

There  is  no  department  of  Landscape  Gardening  which 
appears  to  have  been  less  understood  in  this  country,  than 
the  management  of  water.  Although  there  have  not  been 
many  attempts  made  in  this  way,  yet  the  occasional  efforts 
that  have  been  put  forth  in  various  parts  of  the  country,  in 
the  shape  of  square,  circular,  and  oblong  pools  of  water, 
indicate  a  state  of  knowledge  extremely  meagre,  in  the  art 
of  Landscape  Gardening.  The  highest  scale  to  which  these 
pieces  of  water  rise  in  our  estimation  is  that  of  respectable 
horse-ponds ; — beautiful  objects  they  certainly  are  not. 
They  are  generally  round  or  square,  with  perfectly  smooth, 
flat  banks  on  every  side,  and  resemble  in  tameness  and  in- 
sipidity, a  huge  basin  set  down  in  the  middle  of  a  green 

41 


322 


LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 


lawn.  They  are  even,  in  most  cases,  denied  the  advantage 
of  shade,  except  perhaps  occasionally  a  few  straggling  trees 
can  be  said  to  fulfil  that  purpose ;  for  richly  tufted  margins, 
and  thickets  of  overhanging  shrubs,  are  accompaniments 
rare  indeed.* 

Lakes  or  ponds  are  the  most  beautiful  forms  in  which 

*  Simple  and  easy,  as  would  appear  the  artificial  imitation  of  these  variations 
of  nature,  yet  to  an  unpractised  hand,  and  a  tasteless  mind,  nothing  is  really  more 
difficult.  To  produce  meagre  right  lines  and  geometrical  forms  is  extremely  easy 
in  any  of  the  fine  arts,  but  to  give  the  grace,  spirit,  and  variety  of  nature,  requires 
both  tasteful  perception  and  some  practice;  hence,  in  the  infancy  of  any  art, 
the  productions  are  characterized  by  extreme  meagemess  and  simplicity;— of 
which  the  first  efibrts  to  draw  the  human  figure  or  to  form  artificial  pieces  of  water, 
are  good  examples. 

Brown,  who  was  one  of  the  early  practitioners  of  the  modem  style  abroad,  and 
who  just  saw  far  enough  to  lay  aside  the  ancient  formal  method,  without  apprecia- 
ting nature  sufficiently  to  be  willing  to  take  her  for  his  model,  once  disgraced  half 
of  the  finest  places  in  England  with  his  tame,  bald  pieces  of  artificial  water,  and 
round,  formal  clumps  of  trees.  Mr.  Knight,  in  his  elegant  poem, "  The  Landscape," 
spiritedly  rebuked  this  practice  in  the  following  lines : — 

"  Shaved  to  the  brink  our  brooks  are  taught  to  flow 
Where  no  obtruding  leaves  or  branches  grow  : 
While  clumps  of  shrubs  bespot  each  winding  vale 
Open  alike  to  every  gleam  and  gale  : 
Each  secret  haunt  and  deep  recess  display'd, 
And  intricacy  banished  with  its  shade. 

Hence,  hence  !  thou  haggard  fiend,  however  call'd, 
The  meagre  genius  of  the  bare  and  bald  ; 
Thy  spade  and  mattock  here  at  length  lay  down. 
And  follow  to  the  tomb,  thy  favourite,  Brown  ; 
Thy  favourite  Brown,  whose  innovating  hand, 
First  dealt  thy  curses  o'er  this  fertile  land; 
First  taught  the  walk  in  spiral  forms  to  move, 
And  from  their  haunts  the  secret  Dryads  drove ; 
With  clumps  bespotted  o'er  the  mountain's  side, 
And  bade  the  stream  'twiit  banks  close-shaven  glide ; 
Banish'd  the  thickets  of  high  tow'rlng  wood 
Which  hung  reflected  o'er  the  glassy  flood." 


TREATMENT    OF    WATER.  323 

water  can  be  displayed  in  the  grounds  of  a  country  resi- 
dence.* They  invariably  produce  their  most  pleasing 
effects  when  they  are  below  the  level  of  the  house ;  as,  if 
above,  they  are  lost  to  the  view,  and  if  placed  on  a  level 
with  the  eye  they  are  seen  to  much  less  advantage.  We 
conceive  that  they  should  never  be  introduced  where  they 
do  not  naturally  exist,  except  with  the  concurrence  of  the 
following  circumstances.  First,  a  sufficient  quantity  of 
running  water  to  maintain  at  all  times  an  overflow,  for 
nothing  can  be  more  unpleasant  than  a  stagnant  pool,  as 
nothing  is  more  delightful  than  pure,  clear,  limpid  water ; 
and  secondly,  some  natural  formation  of  ground,  in  which 
the  proposed  water  can  be  expanded,  that  will  not  only 
make  it  appear  natural,  but  diminish,  a  hundred  fold,  the 
expense  of  formation. 

The  finest  and  most  appropriate  place  to  form  a  lake,  is  in 
the  bottom  of  a  smpJl  valley,  rather  broad  in  proportion  to 
its  length.  The  soil  there,  will  probably  be  found  rather 
clayey  and  retentive  of  moisture,  and  the  rill  or  brook,  if  not 
already  running  through  it,  could  doubtless  be  easily  diver- 
ted thither.  There,  by  damming  up  the  lower  part  of  the 
valley  with  a  head  of  greater  or  less  height,  the  water  may 
be(thrown  back  so  as  to  form  the  whole  body  of  the  lake. 

The  first  subject  which  will  demand  the  attention,  after 
the  spot  has  been  selected  for  the  lake  or  pond,  and  the 
height  of  the  head,  and  consequent  depth  of  water  deter- 
mined upon,  is  the  proposed  form  or  outline  of  the  whole. 

*  Owing  to  the  immense  scale  upon  which  nature  displays  this  fine  element  in 
North  America,  every  sheet  of  water  of  moderate  or  small  size,  is  almost  univer- 
sally called  a  pond.  And  many  a  beautiful,  limpid,  natural  expanse  which  in 
England  would  be  thought  a  charming  lake,  is  here  simply  a  pond.  The  term 
may  be  equally  correct,  but  is  by  no  means  as  elegant. 


324  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

And,  as  we  have  already  rejected  all  regular  and  geometric 
forms,  in  scenes  were  either  natural,  or  picturesque  beauty 
is  supposed  to  predominate,  we  must  turn  our  attention  to 
examples  for  imitation  in  another  direction. 

If,  then,  the  improver  will  recur  to  the  most  beautiful, 
small,  natural  lake  within  his  reach,  he  will  have  a  subject 
to  study,  and  an  example  to  copy  well  worthy  of  imitation. 
If  he  examine  minutely  and  carefully  such  a  body  of  water, 
with  all  its  accompaniments,  he  will  find  that  it  is  not  only 
delightfully  wooded  and  overshadowed  by  a  variety  of  vege- 
tation of  all  heights,  from  the  low  sedge  that  grows  on  its 
open  margin,  to  the  tall  tree  that  bends  its  branches  over  its 
limpid  wave  ;  but  he  will  also  perceive  a  striking  peculiari- 
ty in  its  irregular  outline.  This,  he  will  observe  is  neither 
round,  square,  oblong,  or  any  modification  of  these  regular 
figures,  but  full  of  bays  and  projections,  sinuosities  and 
recesses  of  various  forms  and  sizes,  sometimes  bold,  and 
reaching  a  considerable  way  out  into  the  body  of  the  lake, 
at  others,  smaller  and  more  varied  in  shape  and  connection. 
In  the  height  of  the  banks,  too,  he  will  probably  observe 
considerable  variety.  At  some  places,  the  shore  will  steal 
gently  and  gradually  away  from  the  level  of  the  water, 
while  at  others  it  will  rise  suddenly  and  abruptly,  in  banjfs 
more  or  less  steep,  irregular,  and  rugged.  Rocks  and  stones 
covered  with  mosses,  will  here  and  there  jut  out  from  the 
banks,  or  lie  along  the  margin  of  the  water,  and  the  whole 
scene  will  be  full  of  interest  from  the  variety,  intricacy,  and 
beauty  of  the  various  parts.  If  he  will  accurately  note  in 
his  mind  all  these  varied  forms — their  separate  outlines,  the 
way  in  which  they  blend  into  one  another,  and  connect 
themselves  together,  and  the  effect  which,  surrounding  the 
water,  they  produce  as  a  whole,  he  will  have  §ome  tolerably 


TREATMENT    OP    WATER.  325 

correct  ideas  of  the  way  in  which  an  artificial  lake  ought  to 
be  formed. 

Let  him  go  still  farther  now,  in  imagination,  and  suppose 
the  banks  of  this  natural  lake,  without  being  otherwise 
altered,  entirely  denuded  of  grass,  shrubs,  trees,  and  verdure 
of  every  description,  remaining  characterized  only  by  their 
original  form  and  outline  ;  this  will  give  him  a  more  com- 
plete view  of  the  method  in  which  his  labours  must  com- 
mence; fox  uncouth  and  apparently  mis-shapen  as  those 
banks  are  and  must  be,  when  raw  and  unclothed,  to  exhibit 
all  tlieir  variety  and  play  of  light  and  shadow  when  ver- 
dant and  complete,  so  also  must  the  original  form  of  the 
banks  and  margin  of  the  piece  of  artificial  water,  in  order 
finally  to  assume  the  beautiful  or  picturesque,  be  made  to 
assume  outlines  equally  rough  and  harsh  in  their  raw  and 
incomplete  state. 

It  occasionally  happens,  though  rarely,  that  around  the 
hollow  or  valley  where  it  is  proposed  to  form  the  piece  of 
water,  the  ground  rises  m  such  irregular  form,  and  is  so  un- 
dulating, receding,  and  projecting  in  various  parts,  that 
when  the  water  is  dammed  up  by  the  head  below,  the  natu- 
ral outline  formed  by  the  banks  already  existing,  is  suffi- 
ciently varied,  to  produce  a  pleasing  effect  without  much 
further  preparatory  labour.  This,  when  it  occurs,  is  ex- 
ceedingly fortunate ;  but  the  examples  are  so  unfrequent, 
that  we  must  here  make  our  suggestions  upon  a  different 
supposition. 

When,  therefore,  it  is  found  that  the  form  of  the  intended 
lake  would  not  be  such  as  is  desirable,  it  must  be  made  so 
by  digging.  In  order  to  do  this  with  any  exactness,  the 
improver  should  take  his  stand  at  that  part  of  the  ground 
where  the  dam  or  head  is  to  be  formed,  and  raising  his 


326 


LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 


levelling  instrument  to  the  exact  height  to  which  the  in- 
tended lake  will  rise,  sweep  round  with  his  eye  upon  the 
surrounding  sides  of  the  valley,  and  indicate  by  placing 
marks  there,  the  precise  line  to  which  the  water  will  reach. 
This  can  easily  be  done  throughout  the  whole  circum- 
ference, by  a  few  changes  of  position. 

When  the  outline  is  ascertained  in  this  way,  and  marked 
out,  the  improver  can,  with  the  occasional  aid  of  the  level- 
ler, easily  determine  where  and  how  he  can  make  alterations 
and  improvements.  He  will  then  excavate  along  the  new 
margin,  until  he  makes  the  water  line,  (as  shown  by  the  in- 
strument,) penetrate  to  all  the  various  bays,  inlets,  and  curves 
of  the  proposed  lake.  In  making  these  irregular  variations, 
sometimes  bold  and  striking,  at  others  fainter  and  less  per- 
ceptible, he  can  be  guided,  as  we  have  already  suggested,  by 
no  fixed  rules,  but  such  as  he  may  deduce  from  the  opera- 
tions of  nature  on  the  same  materials,  or  by  imbuing  his 
mind  with  the  beauty  of  forms  in  graceful  and  refined  art. 
In  highly  polished  scenery,  elegant  curves  and  graceful 
sweeps  should  enter  into  the  composition  of  the  outline; 
but  in  wilder  or  more  picturesque  situations,  more  irregular 
and  abrupt  variations,  will  be  found  most  suitable  and 
appropriate. 

The  intended  water  outline  once  fully  traced  and  under- 
stood, the  workmen  can  now  proceed  to  form  the  banks. 
All  this  time  the  improver  will  keep  in  mind  the  supposed 
appearance  of  the  bank  of  a  natural  lake  stripped  of  its  vege- 
tation, etc.,  which  will  greatly  assist  him  in  his  progress. 
In  some  places  the  banks  will  rise  but  little  from  the  water, 
at  others  one  or  two  feet,  and  at  others  perhaps  three,  four, 
or  six  times  as  much.  This  they  will  do,  not  in  the  same 
maimer  m  all  portions  of  the  outline,  sloping  away  with  a 


TREATMENT    OF   WATER.  327 

like  gradual  rise  on  both  sides,  for  this  would  inevitably 
produce  tameness  and  monotony,  but  in  an  irregular  and 
varied  manner ;  sometimes  falling  back  gradually,  some- 
times starting  up  perpendicularly,  and  again  overhanging 
the  bed  of  the  lake  itself. 

All  this  can  be  easily  effected,  while  the  excavations  of 
those  portions  of  the  bed  which  require  deepening  are  going 
on.  And  the  better  portions  of  the  soil  obtained  from  the 
latter,  will  serve  to  raise  the  banks  when  they  are  too  low. 

It  is  of  but  little  consequence  how  roughly  and  irregularly 
the  projections,  elevations,  etc.,  of  the  banks  and  outlines  are 
at  first  made,  so  that  some  general  form  and  connection  is 
preserved.  The  danger  lies  on  the  other  side,  viz  :  in  pro- 
ducing a  whole  too  tame  and  insipid,  for  we  have  found  by 
experience,  how  difficult  it  is  to  make  the  best  workmen  un- 
derstand how  to  operate  in  any  other  -^ay  than  in  regular 
curves  and  straight  lines.  Besides,  newly  moved  earth,  by 
settling,  and  the  influence  of  rains,  etc.,  tends,  for  some 
time,  towards  greater  evenness  and  equality  of  surface. 

Mr.  Price,  in  his  unrivalled  instructions  for  the  creation 
of  pieces  of  artificial  water,  has  suggested  another  excellent 
method  by  which  the  outlines  and  banks  of  lakes,  may  be 
varied.  This  is,  first,  by  cutting  down  the  banks,  in  some 
places  nearest  the  water,  perpendicularly,  and  then  under- 
mining them.  This  will  produce  a  gradual  variation  in 
some  parts,  which,  falling  to  pieces,  will  produce  new  and 
irregular  accidental  outlines.  AVhen,  by  the  action  of  rain 
and  frost,  added  to  that  of  the  water  itself,  large  fragments 
of  mould  tumble  from  the  hollowed  banks  of  rivers  or  lakes, 
these  fragments,  by  the  accumulation  of  other  mould,  often 
lose  their  rude  and  broken  form,  are  covered  with  the  fresh- 
est grass,  and  enriched  with  tufts  of  natural  flowers  ;  and 


328  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING.  ' 

though  detached  from  the  bank,  and  upon  a  lower  level, 
still  appear  connected  with  it,  and  vary  its  outline  in  the 
softest  and  most  pleasing  manner.  As  fragments  of  the 
same  kind  will  always  be  detached  from  ground  that  is 
undermined,  so  by  their  means  the  same  effects  may  de- 
signedly be  produced ;  and  they  will  suggest  numberless 
intricacies  and  varieties  of  a  soft  and  pleasing,  as  well  as  of 
a  broken  kind. 

It  will  of  course  be  well  understood  that  we  have  here  not 
supposed  our  proposed  lake  to  be  located  in  a  valley  that 
must  be  filled  to  the  brim,  or  in  a  tame  flat  when  the  water 
would  rise  to  the  same  level  as  the  adjacent  ground.  In  such 
situations  there  could  be  but  little  room  for  the  display  of  a 
high  degree  of  picturesque  beauty.  On  the  contrary,  when 
the  surrounding  ground  in  many  places  rises  gradually,  or  is 
naturally  higher  than  the  proposed  level  of  the  water,  there 
is  room  for  all  the  variety  of  banks  of  various  heights,  form, 
and  outline,  which  so  spring  out  of  the  neighbouring  undu- 
lations and  eminences,  and  connect  themselves  with  them, 
as  to  appear  perfectly  natural  and  in  proper  keeping. 

In  arranging  these  outlines  and  banks,  we  should  study 
the  effect  at  the  points  from  which  they  will  generally  be 
vietS^-ed.  Some  pieces  of  water  in  valleys,  are  looked  down 
upon  from  other  and  higher  parts  of  the  demesne ;  others-, 
(and  this  is  most  generally  the  case,)  are  only  seen  from  the 
adjoining  walk,  at  some  point  or  points  where  the  latter  ap- 
proaches the  lake.  They  are  most  generally  seen  from  one, 
and  seldom  from  more  than  two  sides.  When  a  lake  is 
viewed  from  above,  its  contour  should  be  studied  as  a  whole ; 
but  when  it  is  only  seen  from  one  or  more  sides  or  points, 
the  beauty  of  the  coup  cfceil  from  those  positions  can  often 
be  greatly  increased  by  some  trifling  alterations  in  arrange- 


TREATMENT    OF   WATER.  329 

ment.  A  piece  of  water  which  is  long  and  comparatively- 
narrow,  appears  extremely  diiferent  in  opposite  points  of 
view  ;  if  seen  lengthwise,  from  either  extremity,  its  apparent 
breadth  and  extent  is  much  increased  ;  while,  if  the  spectator 
be  placed  on  one  side  and  look  across,  it  will  seem  narrow 
and  insignificant.  Now,  although  the  form  of  an  artificial 
lake  of  moderate  size  should  never  be  much  less  in  breadth 
than  in  length,  yet  the  contrary  is  sometimes  unavoidably 
the  case ;  and  being  so,  we  should  by  all  means  avail  our- 
selves of  those  well  known  laws  in  perspective,  which  will 
place  them  in  the  best  possible  position,  relative  to  the 
spectator. 

If  the  improver  desire  to  render  his  banks  still  more  pictu- 
resque, resembling  the  choicest  morceaiix  of  natural  banks, 
he  should  go  a  step  farther  in  arranging  his  materials  before 
he  introduces  the  water,  or  clothes  the  margin  with  vegetation. 
In  analyzing  the  finest  portions  of  natural  banks,  it  will 
be  observed  that  their  peculiar  characteristics  often  depend 
on  other  objects,  besides  the  mere  ground  of  the  surroundmg 
banks,  and  the  trees  and  verdure  with  which  they  are  clothed. 
These  are,  rocks  of  various  size,  forms,  and  colours,  often  pro- 
jecting out  of,  or  holding  up  the  bank  in  various  places ;  stones 
sometimes  imbedded  in  the  soil,  sometimes  lying  loosely 
along  the  shore  ;  and  lastly,  old  stumps  of  trees  with  gnarled 
roots  whose  decaying  hues  are  often  extremely  mellow  and 
agreeable  to  the  eye.  All  these  have  much  to  do  with  the 
expression  of  a  truly  picturesque  bank,  and  cannot  be  exclu- 
ded or  taken  away  from  it  without  detracting  largely  from 
its  character.  There  is  no  reason,  therefore,  in  an  imitation 
of  nature,  why  we  should  not  make  use  of  all  her  materials 
to  produce  a  similar  effect ;  and  although  in  the  raw  and 
rude  state  of  the  banks  at  first,  they  may  have  a  singular  and 

42 


330 


LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 


rather  outre  aspect,  stuck  round  and  decorated  here  and 
there  with  large  rocks,  smaller  stones,  and  old  stumps  of 
trees ;  yet  it  must  be  remembered  that  this  is  only  the  chaotic 
state,  from  which  the  new  creation  is  to  emerge  more  per- 
fectly formed  and  completed  ;  and  also  that  the  appearance 
of  these  rocks  and  stumps,  when  covered  with  mosses,  and 
partially  overgrown  with  a  profusion  of  luxuriant  vegetation 
and  climbing  plants,  will  be  as  beautifully  picturesque  after 
a  little  time  has  elapsed,  as  it  is  now  uncouth  and  uninviting. 

Islands  generally  contribute  greatly  to  the  beauty  of  a 
piece  of  water.  They  serve,  still  farther,  to  increase  the  va- 
riety of  outline,  and  to  break  up  the  wide  expanse  of  liquid, 
into  secondary  portions,  without  injuring  the  effect  of  the 
whole.  The  striking  contrast  too,  between  their  verdure, 
the  colour  of  their  margins,  composed  of  variously  tinted 
soils  and  stones,  and  the  still,  smooth  water  around  them, — 
softened  and  blended  as  this  contrast  is,  by  their  shadows 
reflected  back  from  the  limpid  element,  gives  additional  rich- 
ness to  the  picture. 

The  distribution  of  islands  in  a  lake  or  pond,  requires 
some  judgment.  They  will  always  appear  most  natural 
when  sufficiently  near  the  shore,  on  either  side,  to  maintain 
in  appearance  some  connection  with  it.  Although  islands 
do  sometimes  occur  near  the  middle  of  natural  lakes,  yet  the 
effect  is  by  no  means  good ;  as  it  not  only  breaks  and  distracts 
the  effect  of  the  whole  expanse  by  dividing  it  into  two  dis- 
tinct parts,  but  it  always  indicates  a  shallowness  or  want  of 
depth,  where  the  water  should  be  deepest. 

There  are  two  situations  where  it  is  universally  admitted 
that  islands  may  be  happily  introduced.  These  are,  at  the 
inlet  and  the  exit  of  the  body  of  water.  In  many  cases  where 
the  stream  which  supplies  the  lake  is  not  remarkable  for  size, 


TREATMENT    OF   WATER.  331 

and  will  add  nothing  to  the  appearance  of  the  whole  view 
from  the  usual  points  of  sight,  it  may  be  concealed  by  an 
island  or  a  small  group  of  islands,  placed  at  some  little  dis- 
tance in  front  of  it.  The  head  or  dam  of  a  lake  too,  is  often 
necessarily  so  formal  and  abrupt,  that  it  is  difficult  to  make 
it  appear  natural  and  in  good  keeping  with  the  rest  of  the 
margin.  The  introduction  of  an  island  or  two,  placed  near 
the  main  shore,  on  either  side,  and  projecting  as  far  as  pos- 
sible before  the  dam,  will  greatly  diminish  this  disagreeable 
formality,  particularly  if  well  clothed  with  a  rich  tuft  of 
shrubs  and  overhanging  bushes. 

Except  in  these  two  instances,  islands  should  be  generally 
placed  opposite  the  salient  points  of  the  banks,  or  near  those 
places  where  small  breaks  or  promontories  run  out  into  the 
water.  In  such  situations,  they  will  increase  the  irregularity 
of  the  outline,  and  lend  it  additional  spirit  and  animation. 
Should  they,  on  the  other  hand,  be  seated  in  or  near  the 
marginal  curve  and  indentations,  they  will  only  serve  to  clog 
up  these  recesses  ;  and  while  their  own  figures  are  lost  in 
these  little  bays  where  they  are  hidden,  by  lessening  the 
already  existing  irregularities,  they  will  render  the  whole 
outline  tame  and  spiritless. 

On  one  or  two  of  these  small  islands,  little  rustic  habita- 
tions, if  it  coincide  with  the  taste  of  the  proprietor,  may  be 
made  for  different  aquatic  birds  or  water  fowl,  which  will 
much  enliven  the  scene  by  their  fine  plumage.  Among 
these  the  swan  is  pre-eminent,  for  its  beauty  and  graceful- 
ness. Abroad,  they  are  the  almost  constant  accompaniments 
of  water  in  the  ground  of  country  residences  ;  and  it  cannot 
be  denied  that,  floating  about  in  the  limpid  wave,  with  their 
snow-white  plumage,  and  superbly  curved  necks,  they  are 
extremely  elegant  objects. 


332  LANDSCAPE  GARDENING. 

After  having  arranged  the  banks,  reared  up  the  islands^ 
and  completely  formed  the  bed  of  the  proposed  lake,  the  im- 
prover will  next  proceed,  at  the  proper  period,  to  finish  his 
labours  by  clothing  the  newly  formed  ground,  in  various 
parts,  with  vegetation.  This  may  be  done  immediately,  if  it 
be  desirable  ;  or  if  the  season  be  not  favourable,  it  may  be 
deferred  until  the  banks,  and  all  the  newly  formed  earth,  have 
had  time  to  settle  and  assume  their  final  forms,  after  the  dam 
has  been  closed,  and  the  whole  basin  filled  to  its  intended 
height. 

Planting  the  margins  of  pieces  of  water,  if  they  should  be 
of  much  extent,  must  evidently  proceed  upon  the  same  lead- 
ing principle  that  we  have  already  laid  down  for  ornamental 
plantations  in  other  situations.  That  is,  there  must  be  trees 
of  dilferent  heights  and  sizes,  and  underwood  and  shrubs  of 
lower  growth,  disposed  sometimes  singly,  at  others  in  masses, 
groups,  and  thickets :  in  all  of  which  forms,  connectioti  must 
be  preserved,  and  the  whole  must  be  made  to  blend  well  to- 
gether, while  the  different  sizes  and  contours  will  prevent 
any  sameness  and  confusion.  On  the  retreating  dry  banks, 
the  taller  and  more  sturdy  deciduous  and  evergreen  trees,  as 
the  oak,  ash,  etc.,  may  be  planted,  and  nearer  by,  the  different 
willows,  the  elm,  the  alder,  and  other  trees  that  love  a  moister 
situation,  will  thrive  well.  It  is  indispensably  necessary  in 
order  to  produce  breadth  of  effect  and  strong  rich  contrasts, 
that  underwood  should  be  employed  to  clothe  many  parts  of 
the  banks.  Without  it,  the  stems  of  trees  will  appear  loose 
and  straggling,  and  the  screen  will  be  so  imperfect  as  to  al- 
low a  free  passage  for  the  vision  in  every  direction.  For  this 
purpose,  we  have  in  all  our  woods,  swamps,  and  along  our 
brooks,  an  abundance  of  hazels,  hawthorns,  alders,  spice 
woods,  winter  berries,  azaleas,  spireas,  and  a  hundred  other 


TREATMENT    OF    WATER.  333 

fine  low  shrubs,  growing  wild,  which  are  by  nature  extremely- 
well  fitted  for  such  sites,  and  will  produce  immediate  eifect 
on  being  transplanted.  These  may  be  intermingled,  here 
and  there,  with  the  swamp  button-bush,  {Cephalanthus) 
which  bears  handsome  white  globular  heads  of  blossoms, 
and  the  swamp  magnolia,  which  is  highly  beautiful  and  fra- 
grant. On  cool  north  banks,  among  shelves  of  proper  soil 
upheld  by  projecting  ledges  of  rock,  our  native  Kalmias  and 
Rhododendrons,  the  common  and  mountain  laurels,  may  be 
made  to  flourish.  The  Virginia  Creeper,  and  other  beautiful 
wild  vines,  may  be  planted  at  the  roots  of  some  of  the  trees 
to  clamber  up  their  stems,  and  the  wild  Clematis  so  placed 
that  its  luxuriant  festoons  shall  hang  gracefully  from  the  pro- 
jecting boughs  of  some  of  the  overarching  trees.  Along  the 
lower  banks  and  closer  margins,  the  growth  of  smaller  plants 
will  be  encouraged,  and  various  kinds  of  wild  ferns  may  be 
so  planted  as  partially  to  conceal,  overrun,  and  hide  the  rocks 
and  stumps  of  trees,  while  trailing  plants,  as  the  periwinkle 
and  moneywort,  {Lysmnachia  numinularia,)  will  still  far- 
ther increase  the  intricacy  and  richness  of  such  portions.  In 
this  way,  the  borders  of  the  lake  will  resemble  the  finest  por- 
tions of  the  banks  of  picturesque  and  beautiful  natural  dells 
and  pieces  of  water,  and  the  effect  of  the  whole  when  time 
has  given  it  the  benefit  of  its  softening  touches,  if  it  has  been 
thus  properly  executed,  will  not  be  much  inferior  to  those 
matchless  bits  of  fine  landscape.  A  more  striking  and  artis- 
tical  effect  will  be  produced  by  substituting  for  native  treeS 
and  shrubs,  common  on  the  banks  of  streams  and  lakes  in 
the  country,  only  rare  foreign  shrubs,  vines,  and  aquatic 
plants  of  hardy  growth,  suitable  for  such  situations.  While 
these  are  arranged  in  the  same  manner  as  the  former,  from 
their  comparative  novelty,  especially  in  such  sites,  they  will 
at  once  convey  the  idea  of  refined  and  elegant  art. 


334  LANDSCAPE  GARDENING. 

If  any  person  will  take  the  trouble  to  compare  a  piece  of 
water  so  formed,  when  complete,  with  the  square  or  circular 
sheets  or  ponds  now  in  vogue  among  us,  he  must  indeed  be 
little  gifted  with  an  appreciation  of  the  beautiful,  if  he  do  not 
at  once  perceive  the  surpassing  merit  of  the  natural  style. 
In  the  old  method,  the  banks,  level,  or  rising  alike  on  all 
sides,  without  any  or  but  few  surrounding  trees,  carefully 
gravelled  along  the  edge  of  the  water,  or  what  is  still  worse, 
walled  up,  slope  away  in  a  tame,  dull,  uninteresting  grass 
field.  In  the  natural  method,  the  outline  is  varied,  sometimes 
receding  from  the  eye,  at  others  stealing  out,  and  inviting  the 
gaze — the  banks  here  slope  off  gently  with  a  gravelly  beach, 
and  there  rise  abruptly  in  different  heights,  abounding  with 
hollows,  projections,  and  eminences,  showing  various  colour- 
ed rocks  and  soils,  intermingled  with  a  luxuriant  vegetation 
of  all  sizes  and  forms,  corresponding  to  the  different  situations. 
Instead  of  allowing  the  sun  to  pour  down  in  one  blaze  of 
light,  without  any  objects  to  soften  it  with  their  shade,  the 
thick  overhanging  groups  and  masses  of  trees  cast,  here  and 
there,  deep  cool  shadows.  Stealing  through  the  leaves  and 
branches,  the  sun-beams  quiver  and  play  upon  the  surface  of 
the  flood,  and  are  reflected  back  in  dancing  light,  while  their 
full  glow  upon  the  broader  and  more  open  portions  of  the 
lake  is  relieved,  and  brought  into  harmony,  by  the  cooler  and 
softer  tints  mirrored  in  the  water  from  the  surrounding  hues 
and  tints  of  banks,  rocks,  and  vegetation. 

Natural  brooks  and  rivulets  may  often  be  improved  great- 
ly by  a  few  trifling  alterations  or  additions,  when  they  chance 
to  come  within  the  bounds  of  a  country  residence.  Occa- 
sionally, they  may  be  diverted  from  their  original  beds  when 
they  run  through  distant  and  unfrequented  parts  of  the 
demesne,  and  brought  through  nearer  portions  of  the  pleasure- 
grounds  or  lawn.     This,  however,  can  only  be  done,  with 


TREATMENT    OF    WATER.  335 

propriety,  when  there  is  a  natural  indication  in  the  grounds 
through  which  it  is  proposed  to  divert  it — as  a  succession 
or  hollows,  etc.,  to  form  the  future  channel.  Sometimes,  a 
brisk  little  brook  can  be  divided  into  two  smaller  ones  for 
some  distance,  again  uniting  at  a  point  below,  creating  addi- 
tional diversity  by  its  varymg  form.* 

Brooks,  rivulets,  and  even  rills,  may  frequently  be  greatly 
improved  by  altering  the  form  of  their  beds  in  various  places. 
Often  by  merely  removing  a  few  trifling  obstructions,  loose 
stones,  branches,  etc.,  or  hollowing  away  the  adjoining  bank 
for  a  short  distance,  fine  little  expanses  or  pools  of  still  water 
may  be  formed,  which  are  happily  contrasted  with  the  more 
rugged  course  of  the  rest  of  the  stream.  Such  improvements 
of  these  minor  water  courses,  are  much  preferable  to  widen, 
ing  them  into  flat,  insipid,  tame  canals  or  rivers,  which, 
though  they  present  greater  surface  to  the  eye,  are  a  thou- 
sand times  inferior  in  the  impetuosity  of  motion,  and  musical, 
"babbling  sound,"  so  delightful  in  rapid  brooks  and  rivulets.t 

Cascades  and  vjater-falls  are  the  most  charming  features 

*  The  Abbe  Delille  has  given  us  a  fine  image  of  a  brook  thus  divided,  in  the 
following  lines: — 

"  Plus  loin,  il  se  separe  en  deux  ruisseaux  agiles, 
Qui,  se  suivant  I'un  I'autre  avec  rapidite, 
Disputent  de  vitesse  et  de  limpidite ; 
Puis,  rejoignant  tous  deux  le  lit  qui  les  rassemble, 
Murmurent  enchantcs  de  voyager  ensemble. 
Ainsi,  toujours  arrant  de  detour  en  detour, 
Muet,  bruyant,  paisible,  inquiet  tour  a  tour, 
Sous  mille  aspects  divers  son  cours  se  renouvelle." 

t  The  most  successful  improvement  of  a  natural  brook  that  we  have  ever  wit- 
nessed, has  been  effected  in  the  grounds  of  Henry  Sheldon,  Esq.,  of  Tarrytown, 
N.  Y.  The  great  variety  and  beauty  displayed  in  about  a  fourth  of  a  mile  of  the 
course  of  this  stream,  its  pretty  cascades,  rustic  bridges,  rockwork,  etc.,  reflect  the 
highest  credit  on  the  taste  of  that  gentleman. 


336 


LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 


of  natural  brooks  and  rivulets.  Whatever  may  be  their  size 
they  are  always  greatly  admired,  and  in  no  way,  is  the 
peculiar  stillness  of  the  air,  peculiar  to  the  country,  more 
pleasingly  broken,  than  by  the  melody  of  falling  water. 
Even  the  gurgling  and  mellow  sound  of  a  small  rill,  leaping 
over  a  few  fantastic  stones,  has  a  kind  of  lulling  fascination 
for  the  ear,  and  when  this  sound  can  be  brought  so  near  as 
to  be  distinctly  heard  at  the  residence  itself,  it  is  peculiarly 
delightful.*  Now  any  one  who  examines  a  small  cascade  at 
all  attentively,  in  a  natural  brook,  will  see  that  it  is  often 
formed  in  the  simplest  manner  by  the  interposition  of  a  few 
large  projecting  stones,  which  partially  dam  up  the  current 
and  prevent  the  ready  flow  of  the  water.  Such  little  cas- 
cades are  easily  imitated,  by  following  exactly  the  same 
course,  and  damming  up  the  little  brook  artificially  ;  stu- 
diously avoiding,  however,  any  formal  and  artificial  disposi- 
tion of  the  stones  or  rocks  employed. 

Larger  water-falls  and  cascades  cannot  usually  be  made 
without  some  regular  head  or  breastwork,  to  oppose  more 
firmly  the  force  of  the  current.  Such  heads  may  be  formed 
of  stout  plank  and  well  prepared  clay  ;t  or,  which  is  greatly 
preferable,  of  good  masonry  laid  in  water  cement.  After  a 
head  is  thus  formed  it  must  be  concealed  entirely  from  the 
eye  by  covering  it  both  upon  the  top  and  sides  with  natural 
rocks  and  stones  of  various  sizes,  so  ingeniously  disposed, 

*  The  fine  stream  which  forms  the  south  boundary  of  Blithewood,  on  the 
Hudson,  the  seat  of  R.  Donaldson,  Esq.,  affords  two  of  the  finest  natural  cataracts 
that  we  have  seen  in  the  grounds  of  any  private  residence.  Fig.  38  is  a  view  of 
the  larger  cascade  which  falls  about  60  feet  over  a  bold,  rocky  bed. 

t  It  is  found  that  strong  loam  or  any  tenacious  earth  well  prepared  hy  puddling 
or  beating  in  water  is  equally  impervious  to  water  as  clay  ;  and  may  therefore  be 
used  for  lining  the  sides  or  dams  of  bodies  of  made  water  when  such  materials  are 
required. 


Fig.  38.     The  Cataract  at  Blifhewood. 


TREATMENT    OF    WATER.  337 

as  to  appear  fully  to  account  for,  or  be  the  cause  of,  the 
water-fall. 

The  axe  of  the  original  backwoodsman  appears  to  have 
left  such  a  mania  for  clearing  behind  it,  even  in  those  por- 
tions of  the  Atlantic  states  where  such  labor  should  be  for- 
ever silenced,  that  some  of  our  finest  places  in  the  country 
will  be  found  much  desecrated  and  mutilated  by  its  careless 
and  unpardonable  use ;  and  not  only  are  fine  plantations 
often  destroyed,  but  the  banks  of  some  of  our  finest  streams 
and  prettiest  rivulets  partially  laid  bare  by  the  aid  of  this 
instrument,  guided  by  some  tasteless  hand.  Wherever  fine 
brooks  or  water  courses  are  thus  mutilated,  one  of  the  most 
necessary  and  obvious  improvements  is  to  reclothe  them 
with  plantations  of  trees  and  underwood.  In  planting  their 
banks  anew,  much  beauty  and  variety  can  often  be  produced 
by  employing  different  growths,  and  arranging  them  as  we 
have  directed  for  the  margins  of  lakes  and  ponds.  In  some 
places  where  easy,  beautiful  slopes  and  undulations  of  ground 
border  the  streams,  gravel,  soft  turf,  and  a  few  simple  groups 
of  trees,  will  be  the  most  natural  accompaniments  ;  in  others 
where  the  borders  of  the  stream  are  broken  into  rougher, 
more  rocky  and  precipitous  ridges,  all  the  rich  wildness  and 
intricacy  of  low  shrubs,  ferns,  creeping  and  climbing  plants, 
may  be  brought  in  to  advantage.  Where  the  extent  to  be 
thus  improved  is  considerable,  the  trouble  may  be  lessened 
by  planting  the  larger  growth,  and  sowing  the  seeds  of  the 
smaller  plants  mingled  together.  Prepare  the  materials,  and 
time  and  nature,  with  but  little  occasional  assistance,  will 
mature  and  soften,  and  blend  together  the  whole,  in  their 
own  matchless  and  inimitable  manner. 

From  all  that  we  have  suggested  in  these  limited  remarks, 
it  will  be  seen  that  we  would  only  attempt  in  our  operations 

43 


338  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

with  water,  the  graceful  or  picturesque  imitations  of  natural 
lakes  or  ponds,  and  brooks,  rivulets,  and  streams.  Such  are 
the  only  forms  in  which  this  unrivalled  element  can  be  dis- 
played so  as  to  harmonize  agreeably  with  natural  and  pic- 
turesque scenery.  In  the  latter,  there  can  be  no  apology 
made  for  the  introduction  of  straight  canals,  round  or  oblong 
pieces  of  water,  and  all  the  regular  forms  of  the  geometric 
mode  ;  because  they  would  evidently  be  in  violent  opposi- 
tion to  the  whole  character  and  expression  of  natural  land- 
scape. In  architectural,  or  flower  gardens,  (of  which  we 
shall  hereafter  have  occasion  to  ofier  some  remarks,)  where 
a  different  and  highly  artificial  arrangement  prevails,  all 
these  regular  forms,  with  various  jets,  fountains,  etc.,  may 
be  employed  with  good  taste,  and  will  combine  well  with 
the  other  accessories  of  such  places.  But  in  the  grounds  of 
a  residence  in  the  modern  style,  nature,  if  possible,  still 
more  purified,  as  in  the  great  chefs  d'oeuvres  of  art,  by  an 
ideal  standard,  should  be  the  great  aim  of  the  Landscape 
Gardener.  And  with  water  especially,  only  beautiful  when 
allowed  to  take  its  own  flowing  forms  and  graceful  motions, 
more  than  with  any  other  of  our  materials,  all  appearance 
of  constraint  and  formality  should  be  avoided.  If  art  be  at 
all  manifest,  it  should  discover  itself  only,  as  in  the  admira- 
bly painted  landscape,  in  the  reproduction  of  nature  in  her 
choicest  developments.  Indeed,  many  of  the  most  cele- 
brated authors  who  have  treated  of  this  subject,  appear  to 
agree,  that  the  productions  of  the  artist  in  this  branch,  are 
most  perfect,  as  they  approach  most  nearly  to  fac-similes  of 
nature  herself:  and  though  art  should  have  formed  the 
whole,  its  employment  must  be  nowhere  discovered  by  the 
spectator  ;  or  as  Tasso  has  more  elegantly  expressed  the 
idea : 

"  l'aRTE    CHE    TUTTO    FA,    NULLA    SI    SCOPRE." 


RURAL    ARCHITECTURE.  339 


SECTION   IX. 


LANDSCAPE  OR  RURAL  ARCHITECTURE. 

Difference  between  a  city  and  a  country  house.  The  characteristic  features  of  a  country  house. 
Examination  of  the  leading  principles  in  Rural  Architecture.  The  different  styles.  The 
Grecian  style,  its  merits  and  defects,  and  its  associations.  The  Roman  and  Italian  styles. 
The  Pointed  or  Gothic  style.  The  Tudor  Mansion.  The  English  Cottage,  or  Rural  Gothic 
style.  These  styles  considered  in  relation  to  situation  or  scenery.  Individual  tastes.  En- 
trance Lodges. 

"  A  house  amid  the  quiet  country's  shades, 
With  length'ning  vistas,  ever  sunny  glades ; 
Beauty  and  fragrance  clustering  o'er  the  wall, 
A  porch  inviting,  and  an  ample  hall." 


RCHITECTURE,  either 

practically  considered,  or  view- 
ed as  an  art  of  taste,  is  a  subject 
^iSO  important  and  comprehen- 
sive in  itself,  that  volumes 
would  be  requisite  to  do  it  justice.  Buildings  of  every  de- 
scription, from  the  humble  cottage  to  tlie  lofty  temple,  are 
objects  of  such  constant  recurrence  in  every  habitable  part 
of  the  globe,  and  are  so  strikingly  indicative  of  the  intelli- 
gence, character,  and  taste  of  the  inhabitants,  that  they  pos- 
sess in  themselves  a  great  and  peculiar  interest  for  the  mind. 
To  have  a  "  local  habitation," — a  permanent  dwelling,  that 
we  can  give  the  impress  of  our  own  mind,  and  identify  with 
our  own  existence, — appears  to  be  the  ardent  wish,  sooner 


340  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

or  later  felt,  of  every  man  :  excepting  only  those  wandering 
sons  of  Ishmacl,  who  pitch  their  tents  with  the  same  indiffer- 
ence, and  as  little  desire  to  remain  fixed,  in  the  flowery  plains 
of  Persia,  as  in  the  sandy  deserts  of  Zahara,  or  Arabia. 

In  a  city  or  town,  or  its  immediate  vicinity,  where  space 
is  limited,  where  buildings  stand  crowded  together,  and  de- 
pend for  their  attractions  entirely  upon  the  style  and  manner 
of  their  construction,  mere  architectural  effect,  after  conve- 
nience and  fitness  are  consulted,  is  of  course  the  only  point  to 
be  kept  in  view.  There  the  fa§ade  which  meets  the  eye  of 
the  spectator  from  the  public  street,  is  enriched  and  made  at- 
tractive by  the  display  of  architectural  style  and  decoration ; 
commensurate  to  the  magnitude  or  importance  of  the  edifice, 
and  the  whole,  so  far  as  the  effect  of  the  building  is  concerned, 
comes  directly  within  the  province  of  the  architect  alone. 

With  respect  to  this  class  of  dwellings,  we  have  little  com- 
plaint to  make,  for  many  of  our  town  residences  are  highly 
elegant  and  beautiful.  But  how  shall  we  designate  that 
singular  perversity  of  taste,  or  rather  that  total  want  of  it, 
which  prompts  the  man,  who,  under  the  name  of  a  villa 
residence,  piles  up  in  the  free  open  country,  amid  the  green 
fields,  and  beside  the  wanton  gracefulness  of  luxuriant  nature, 
a  stiff  modern  "three  story  brick,"  which,  like  a  well  bred 
cockney  with  a  true  horror  of  the  country,  doggedly  seems 
to  refuse  to  enter  into  harmonious  combination  with  any  other 
object  in  the  scene,  but  only  serves  to  call  up  the  exclama- 
tion, 

Avaunt,  stiff  pile  !  why  didst  thou  stray 
From  blocks  congenial  in  Broadway ! 

Yet  almost  daily  we  see  built  up  in  the  country  huge  com- 
binations of  boards  and  shingles,  without  the  least  attempts  at 
adaptation  to  situation  ;  and  square  masses  of  brick  start  up 


RURAL    ARCHITECTURE.  341 

here  and  there,  in  the  verdant  slopes  of  o  ur  village  suburbs 
appearing  as  if  they  had  been  transplanted,  by  some  unlucky 
incantation,  from  the  close-packed  neighbourhood  of  city 
residence,  and  left  accidentally  in  the  country,  or,  as  Sir 
Walter  Scott  has  remarked,  "had  strayed  out  to  the  country 
for  an  airing." 

What  then  are  the  proper  characteristics  of  a  rural  resi- 
dence ?  The  answer  to  this,  in  a  few  words,  is,  such  a 
dwelling,  as  from  its  various  accommodations,  not  only  gives 
ample  space  for  all  the  comforts  and  conveniences  of  a  country 
life,  but  by  its  varied  and  picturesque  form  and  outline,  its 
porches,  verandas,  etc.,  also  appears  to  have  some  reasonable 
connection,  or  be  in  perfect  keeping,  with  surrounding  nature. 
Architectural  beauty  must  be  considered  conjointly  with  the 
beauty  of  the  landscape  or  situation.  Buildings  of  almost 
every  description,  and  particularly  those  for  the  habitation  of 
man,  will  be  considered  by  the  mind  of  taste,  not  only  as  ar- 
chitectural objects  of  greater  or  less  merit,  but  as  component 
parts  of  the  general  scene ;  united  with  the  surrounding  lawn, 
embosomed  in  tufts  of  trees  and  shrubs,  if  properly  designed 
and  constructed,  they  will  even  serve  to  impress  a  character 
upon  the  surrounding  landscape.  Their  effect  will  frequently 
be  good  or  bad,  not  merely  as  they  are  excellent  or  indifferent 
examples  of  a  certain  style  of  building,  but  as  they  are  hap- 
pily or  unhappily  combined  with  the  adjacent  scenery.  The 
intelligent  observer  will  readily  appreciate  the  truth  of  this, 
and  acknowledge  the  value,  as  well  as  necessity,  of  something 
besides  architectural  knowledge.  And  he  will  perceive 
how  much  more  likely  to  be  successful,  are  the  efforts  of  him, 
who  in  composing  and  constructing  a  rural  residence,  calls 
in  to  the  aid  of  architecture,  the  genius  of  the  landscape  ; — ■ 
whose  mind  is  imbued  with  a  taste  for  beautiful  scenery,  and 


342  LANDSCAPE  GARDENING. 

who  so  elegantly  and  ingeniously  engrafts  art  upon  nature, 
as  to  heighten  her  beauties ;  while  by  the  harmonious  union 
he  throws  a  borrowed  charm  around  his  own  creation. 

The  English,  above  all  other  people,  are  celebrated  for 
their  skill  in  what  we  consider  rtiral  adaptation.  Their 
residences  seem  to  be  a  part  of  the  scenes  where  they  are 
situated ;  for  their  exquisite  taste  and  nice  perception  of  the 
beauties  of  Landscape  Gardening  and  rural  scenery,  lead  them 
to  erect  those  picturesque  edifices,  which  by  their  varied  out- 
lines, seem  in  exquisite  keeping  with  nature ;  while  by  the 
numberless  climbing  plants,  shrubs,  and  fine  ornamental  trees 
with  which  they  surround  them,  they  form  beautiful  pictures 
of  rural  beauty.  Even  the  various  offices  connected  with  the 
dwelling,  partially  concealed  by  groups  of  foliage,  and  con- 
tributing to  the  expression  of  domestic  comfort,  while  they 
extend  out,  and  give  importance  to  the  main  edifice,  also 
serve  to  connect  it,  in  a  less  abrupt  manner,  with  the 
grounds. 

So  different  indeed  is  the  general  character  of  the  cottage 
and  villa  architecture  of  England,  that  many  an  American,  on 
looking  over  the  illustrated  works  of  their  writers  on  domestic 
architecture,  while  he  acknowledges  their  high  scenic  beauty, 
generally  regards  them  in  much  the  same  light  as  he  does 
Moore's  description  of  the  vale  of  Cashmere,  in  Lalla  Rookli — 
beautiful  imaginative  creations  of  the  artist,  but  which  can 
never  be  realized  in  every-day  life,  and  a  comfortable  dwell- 
ing. The  fact  however  is,  it  is  well  known,  quite  the  con- 
trary ;  for  many  of  the  English  country  residences  are  really 
far  more  beautiful  than  the  pictorial  representations ;  and  no 
people  gather  around  themselves  more  of  those  little  comforts 
and  elegancies,  which  make  up  the  sum  total  of  home,  than 
the  inhabitants  of  that  highly  cultivated  and  gardenesque 
country. 


RURAL    ARCHITFXTURE.  343 

The  leading  principles  which  should  be  our  guide  in  Land- 
scape or  Rural  A  rchitecture,  have  been  condensed  by  an  able 
writer  in  the  following  heads.  "  1st,  As  a  useful  art,  in  fit- 
ness FOR  THE  END  IN  VIEW :  2d,  as  au  art  of  design,  in 
EXPRESSION  OF  PURPOSE  I  3d,  as  an  art  of  taste,  in  expres- 
sion OF  some  particular  architectural  style." 

The  most  enduring  and  permanent  source  of  beauty  is, 
undoubtedly,  utility.  In  a  country  residence,  therefore,  of 
whatever  character,  the  comfort  and  convenience  of  the 
various  members  of  the  family  being  the  first  and  most  im- 
portant consideration,  the  quality  of  fitness  is  universally 
appreciated  and  placed  in  the  first  rank.  In  many  of  those 
articles  of  furniture  or  apparel  which  luxury  or  fashion  has 
brought  into  use,  fitness  or  convenience  often  gives  way  to 
beauty  of  form  or  texture  :  but  in  a  habitation,  intended  to 
shelter  us  from  the  heat  and  cold,  as  well  as  to  give  us  an 
opportunity  to  dispense  the  elegant  hospitalities  of  refined 
life — the  neglect  of  the  various  indispensable  conveniences 
and  comforts  which  an  advanced  state  of  civilization  require, 
would  be  but  poorly  compensated  for,  by  a  fanciful  exterior 
or  a  highly  ornate  style  of  building.  Farther  than  this,  fit- 
ness will  extend  to  the  choice  of  situation ;  selecting  a  shel- 
tered site,  neither  too  high,  as  upon  the  exposed  summit  of 
bleak  hills,  nor  too  low,  as  in  the  lowest  bottoms  of  damp 
valleys ;  but  preferring  those  middle  grounds  which,  while 
they  afford  a  free  circulation  of  air,  and  a  fine  prospect,  are 
not  detrimental  to  the  health  or  enjoyment  of  the  occupants. 
A  proper  exposure  is  another  subject,  worthy  of  the  attention 
of  either  the  architect  or  proprietor,  as  there  are  stormy,  and 
pleasant  aspects  or  exposures  in  all  climates. 

However  much  the  principle  of  fitness  may  be  appreciated 
and  acted  upon  in  the  United  States,  we  have  certainly  great 


344 


LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 


need  of  apology  for  the  flagrant  and  almost  constant  viola- 
tion of  the  second  principle,  viz  :  the  expression  of  purpose. 
By  the  expression  of  purpose  in  buildings,  is  meant  that  archi- 
tectural character,  or  ensemble^  which  distinctly  points  out 
the  particular  use  or  destination  for  which  the  edifice  is  in- 
tended. In  a  dwelling-house,  the  expression  of  purpose  is 
conveyed  by  the  chimney-tops,  the  porch  or  veranda,  and 
those  various  appendages  indicative  of  domestic  enjoyment, 
which  are  needless,  and  therefore  misplaced,  in  a  public  build- 
ing. In  a  church,  the  spire  or  the  dome,  when  present,  at 
once  stamps  the  building  with  the  expression  of  purpose  ;  and 
the  few  openings  and  plain  exterior,  with  the  absence  of  chim- 
neys, are  the  suitable  and  easily  recognized  characteristics  of 
the  barn.  Were  any  one  to  commit  so  violent  an  outrage 
upon  the  principle  of  the  expression  of  purpose  as  to  sur- 
mount his  barns  with  the  tall  church  spire,  our  feelings 
would  at  once  cry  out  against  the  want  of  propriety.  Yet 
hov/  often  do  we  meet  in  the  northern  states,  with  stables 
built  after  the  models  of  Greek  temples,  and  barns  with  ele- 
gant Venetian  shutters — to  say  nothing  of  mansions  with 
none  but  concealed  chimney-tops,  and  without  porches  or 
appendages  of  any  kind,  to  give  the  least  hint  to  the  mind 
of  the  doubting  spectator,  whether  the  edifice  is  a  chapel,  a 
bank,  a  hospital,  or  the  private  dwelling  of  a  man  of  wealth 
and  opulence  ! 

"  Tlie  expression  of  the  purpose  for  which  every  building 
is  erected,"  says  the  writer  before  quoted,  "  is  the  first  and 
most  essential  beauty,  and  should  be  obvious  from  its  archi- 
tecture, although  independent  of  any  particular  style ;  in 
the  same  manner  as  the  reasons  for  things  are  altogether  in- 
dependent of  the  language  in  which  they  are  conveyed.  As 
in  literary  composition,  no  beauty  of  language  can  ever  com- 


RURAL    ARCHITECTURE.  345 

pensate  for  poverty  of  sense,  so  in  architectural  composition, 
no  beauty  of  style  can  ever  compensate  for  want  of  expres- 
sion of  purpose."  Applying  this  excellent  principle  to  our 
own  country  houses  and  their  offices  or  out-buildings,  we 
think  every  reasonable  person  will,  at  the  first  glance,  see 
how  lamentably  deficient  are  many  of  the  productions  of  our 
architects  and  builders,  in  one  of  the  leading  principles  of  the 
art.  The  most  common  form  for  an  American  country  villa 
is  the  pseudo-Greek  Temple ;  that  is,  a  rectangular  oblong 
building,  with  the  chimney-tops  concealed,  if  possible,  and 
instead  of  a  pretty  and  comfortable  porch,  veranda,  or  piazza, 
four,  six,  or  eight  lofty  wooden  columns  are  seen  supporting 
a  portico,  so  high  as  neither  to  afford  an  agreeable  promenade, 
nor  a  sufficient  shelter  from  the  sun  and  rain. 

There  are  two  features,  which  it  is  now  generally  admitted, 
contribute  strongly  to  the  expression  of  purpose  in  a  dwelling- 
house,  and  especially  in  a  country  residence.  These  are 
the  chimney-tops  and  the  entrance  porch.  Chimney-tops, 
with  us,  are  generally  square  masses  of  brick,  rising  above 
the  roof,  and  presenting  certainly  no  very  elegant  appearance — 
which  may  perhaps  serve  as  the  apology  of  those  who  stu- 
diously conceal  them.  But  in  a  climate  where  fires  are  re- 
quisite during  a  large  portion  of  the  year,  chimney-tops  are 
expressive  of  a  certain  comfort  resulting  from  the  use  of 
them,  which  characterizes  a  building  intended  for  a  dwelling 
in  that  climate.  Chimney-tops  being  never,  or  rarely,  placed 
on  those  buildings  intended  for  the  inferior  animals,  are 
also  undoubtedly  strongly  indicative  of  human  habitations. 
Instead,  therefore,  of  hiding  or  concealing  them,  they  should 
be  in  all  dwellings  not  only  boldly  avowed,  but  rendered 
ornamental ;  for  whatever  is  a  characteristic  and  necessary 
feature,  should  undoubtedly,  if  possible,  be  rendered  elegant, 
or  at  least  prevented  from  being  ugly. 

11 


346  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

Much  of  the  picturesque  effect  of  the  old  EngHsh  and 
ItaUan  houses,  undoubtedly  arises  from  the  handsome  and 
curious  stacks  of  chimneys,  which  spring  out  of  their  roofs. 
These,  while  they  break  and  diversify  the  sky-outline  of  the 
building,  enrich  and  give  variety  to  its  most  bare  and  unor- 
namented  part.  Examples  are  not  wanting,  in  all  the  differ- 
ent styles  of  architecture,  of  handsome  and  characteristic  chim- 
neys, which  may  be  adopted  in  any  of  our  dwellings  of  a 
similar  style.  The  Gothic,  or  old  English  chimney,  with 
octagonal  or  cylindrical  flues  or  shafts  united  in  clusters,  is 
made  in  a  great  variety  of  forms,  either  of  bricks,  or  artificial 
stone.  The  former  materials,  moulded  in  the  required  shape, 
are  highly  taxed  in  England,  while  they  may  be  very 
cheaply  made  here. 

A  Porch  strengthens  or  conveys  expression  of  purpose, 
because,  instead  of  leaving  the  entrance  door  bare,  as  in 
manufactories  and  buildings  of  an  inferior  description,  it 
serves  both  as  a  note  of  preparation,  and  an  effectual  shelter 
and  protection  to  the  entrance.  Besides  this,  it  gives  a  dig- 
nity and  importance  to  that  entrance,  pointing  it  out  to  the 
stranger  as  the  place  of  approach.  A  fine  countiy  house? 
without  a  porch  or  covered  shelter  to  the  doorway  of  some 
description,  is  therefore,  as  incomplete,  to  the  correct  eye,  as  a 
well-printed  book  without  a  title  page,  leaving  the  stranger 
to  plunge  at  once  in  media  res,  without  the  friendly  prepa- 
ration of  a  single  word  of  introduction.  Porches  are  suscep- 
tible of  every  variety  of  form  and  decoration,  from  the  em- 
battled and  buttressed  portal  of  the  Gothic  castle,  to  the  lat- 
ticed arbor-porch  of  the  cottage,  around  which  the  festoons 
of  luxuriant  climbing  jdants  cluster,  giving  an  effect  not  less 
beautiful  than  the  richly  carved  capitals  of  the  classic  por- 
tico. 


RURAL    ARCHITECTURE.  347 

In  this  country,  no  architectural  feature  is  more  plainly 
expressive  of  purpose  in  our  dwelling-houses  than  the  ve- 
randa, or  piazza.  The  unclouded  splendor  and  fierce  heat  of 
our  summer  sun,  render  this  very  general  appendage  a  source 
of  real  comfort  and  enjoyment ;  and  the  long  veranda  romid 
many  of  our  country  residences  stand  in  stead  of  the  paved 
terraces  of  the  English  mansions  as  the  place  for  promenade ; 
while  during  the  warmer  portions  of  the  season,  half  of  the 
days  or  evenings  are  there  passed  in  the  enjoyment  of  the 
cool  breezes,  secure  under  low  roofs  supported  by  the  open 
colonnade,  from  the  solar  rays,  or  the  dews  of  night.  The 
obvious  utility  of  the  veranda  in  this  climate,  (especially  in 
the  middle  and  southern  states,)  will,  therefore,  excuse  its 
adoption  into  any  style  of  architecture  that  may  be  selected 
for  our  domestic  uses,  although  abroad,  buildings  in  the 
style  in  question,  as  the  Gothic,  for  example,  are  not  usually 
accompanied  by  such  an  appendage.  An  artist  of  the  least 
taste  or  invention,  will  easily  compose  an  addition,  of  this 
kind,  that  will  be  in  good  keeping  with  the  rest  of  the 
edifice. 

These  various  features,  or  parts  of  the  building,  with  many 
others  which  convey  expressioii  of  purpose  in  domestic  ar- 
chitecture, because  they  recall  to  the  mind  the  different  uses 
to  which  they  are  applied,  and  the  several  enjoyments  con- 
nected with  them,  also  contribute  greatly  to  the  interest  of  the 
building  itself,  and  heighten  its  good  effect  as  part  of  a  har- 
monious whole,  in  the  landscape.  The  various  projections 
and  irregularities,  caused  by  verandas,  porticoes,  etc.,  serving 
to  connect  the  otherwise  square  masses  of  building,  by  gra- 
dual transition,  with  the  ground  about  it. 

The  reader,  who  thus  recognizes  features  as  expressive  of 
pui*f)ose  in  a  dwelling  intended  for  the  habitation  of  man,  we 


348  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

think,  can  be  at  no  great  loss  to  understand  what  would 
be  characteristic  in  out-buildings  or  offices,  farm-houses? 
lodges,  stables,  and  the  like,  which  are  necessary  structures 
on  a  villa  or  mansion  residence  of  much  size  or  importance. 
A  proper  regard  to  the  expression  of  use  or  purpose,  without 
interfering  with  beauty  of  style,  will  confer  at  all  times  an- 
other, viz.  the  beauty  of  truth,  without  which  no  building 
can  be  completely  satisfactory  ;  as  deceptions  of  this  kind, 
(buildings  appearing  to  be  what  they  are  not,)  always  go  far 
towards  destroying  in  the  mind  those  pleasurable  emotions 
felt  on  viewing  any  correct  work  of  art,  however  simple  in 
character  or  design. 

We  have  now  to  consider  rural  architecture  under  the 
guidance  of  the  third  leading  principle,  as  an  art  of  taste. 
The  expression  of  architectural  style  in  buildings  is  un- 
doubtedly a  matter  of  the  first  importance,  and  proper  care 
being  taken  not  to  violate  fitness,  and  expression  of  purpose, 
it  may  be  considered  as  appealing  most  powerfully,  at  once, 
to  the  mind  of  almost  every  person.  Indeed,  with  many,  it 
is  the  only  species  of  beauty  which  they  perceive  in  build, 
ings,  and  to  it  both  convenience,  and  the  expression  of  pur- 
pose, are  often  ignorantly  sacrificed. 

A  marked  style  of  architecture,  appears  to  us  to  have  claims 
for  our  admiration  or  preference  for  rural  residences,  for 
several  reasons.  As  it  is  intrinsically  beautiful  in  itself;  as 
it  interests  us  by  means  of  the  associations  connected  with  it ; 
as  it  is  fitted  to  the  wants  and  comforts  of  country  life  ;  and, 
as  it  is  adapted  to,  or  harmonizes  with,  the  locality  or  scenery 
where  it  is  located. 

The  harmonious  union  of  buildings  and  scenery,  is  a 
point  of  taste  that  appears  to  be  but  little  understood  in 
any  country ;  and,  mainly,  we  believe,  because  the  architect 


RURAL    ARCHITECTURE.  349 

and  the  landscape  painter  are  seldom  combined  in  the  same 
person,  or  are  seldom  consulted  together.  It  is  for  this 
reason  that  we  so  rarely  see  a  country  residence,  or  cottage  and 
its  grounds,  making  such  a  composition  as  a  landscape 
painter  would  choose  for  his  pencil.  But  it  does  not  seem 
difficult,  with  a  slight  recurrence  to  the  leading  principle 
of  unity  of  expression,  to  suggest  a  mode  of  immediately 
deciding  which  style  of  building  is  best  adapted  to  harmonize 
with  a  certain  kind  of  scenery. 

The  reader  is,  we  trust,  already  familiar  with  our  division 
of  landscapes  into  two  natural  classes, — the  Graceful,  and  the 
Picturesque, — and  the  two  accordant  systems  of  improvement 
.  in  Landscape  Gardening  which  we  have  based  upon  these 
distinct  characters.  Now,  in  order  to  render  our  buildings 
perfectly  harmonious,  we  conceive  it  only  to  be  necessary 
to  arrange  (as  we  may  very  properly  do)  all  the  styles  of 
domestic  architecture  in  corresponding  divisions. 

Some  ingenious  writer  has  already  developed  this  idea, 
and,  following  a  hint  taken  from  the  two  leading  schools  of 
literature  and  art,  has  divided  all  architecture  into  the  Clas- 
sical and  the  Romantic  schools  of  design.  The  Classical 
comprises  the  Grecian  style,  and  all  its  near  and  direct  off- 
spring, as  the  Roman,  and  Italian  modes ;  the  Romantic 
school,  the  Gothic  style,  with  its  numberless  variations  of 
Tudor,  Elizabethan,  Flemish,  and  old  English  modes. 

It  is  easy  to  see,  at  a  glance,  how  well  these  divisions 
correspond  with  our  Graceful  and  Picturesque  schools  of 
Landscape  Gardening,  so  that  indeed  we  might  call  the 
Grecian,  or  Classical  style  the  Graceful,  and  the  Gothic 
or'Romantic  style,  the  Picturesque  schools  in  architecture. 
In  classical  buildings,  as  in  graceful  landscape,  we  are 
led  to  admire  simplicity  of  forms  and  outlines,  purity  of 


350  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

effect,  and  grace  of  composition.  In  the  Romantic  or  Pic- 
turesque buildings,  we  are  struck  by  the  irregularity  of 
forms  and  outlines,  variety  of  effect,  and  boldness  of  com- 
position. What,  therefore,  can  be  more  evident  in  seeking 
to  produce  unity  of  effect  than  the  propriety  of  selecting 
some  variations  of  the  classical  style  for  Graceful  landscape, 
and  some  species  of  romantic  irregular  building  for  Pictu- 
resque landscape? 

In  a  practical  point  of  view,  all  buildings  which  have 
considerable  simplicity  of  outline,  a  certain  careful  and 
graceful  style  of  ornament,  and  a  polished  and  refined  kind 
of  finish,  may  be  considered  as  likely  to  harmonize  best  with 
all  landscape  where  the  expression  is  that  of  simple  or  grace- 
ful beauty — where  the  lawn  or  surface  is  level,  or  gently 
imdulating,  the  trees  rich  and  full  in  foliage  and  form,  and 
the  general  character  of  the  scenery  peaceful  and  beautiful. 
Such  are  the  Grecian,  Roman,  Tuscan,  and  the  chaster  Italian 
styles. 

On  the  other  hand,  buildings  of  more  irregular  outline,  in 
which  appear  bolder  or  ruder  ornaments,  and  a  certain  free 
and  more  rustic  air  in  finishing,  are  those  which  should  be 
selected  to  accompany  scenery  of  a  wilder  or  more  pictu- 
resque character,  abounding  in  striking  variations  of  surface, 
wood,  and  water.  And  these  are  the  Castellated,  the  Tudor, 
and  the  old  English  in  all  its  forms. 

There  is  still  an  intermediate  kind  of  architecture,  origi- 
nally a  variation  of  the  classical  style,  but  which,  in  be- 
coming adapted  to  different  and  more  picturesque  situations, 
has  lost  much  of  its  graceful  character,  and  has  become  quite 
picturesque  in  its  outlines  and  effects.  Of  this  kind  is  the 
Swiss,  and  the  bracketed  cottage,  and  the  different  highly 
irregular  forms  of  the  Italian  villa.     The  more  simple  and 


RURAL    ARCHITECTURE.  351 

regular  variations  of  these  modes  of  building,  may  be  intro- 
duced with  good  effect  in  any  plain  country,  while  the  more 
irregular  and  ai'tistical  forms,  have  the  happiest  effect  only  in 
more  highly  varied  and  suitable  localities. 

The  Egyptian,  one  of  the  oldest  architectural  styles, 
characterized  by  its  heavy  colossal  forms,  and  almost  sublime 
expression,  is  supposed  to  have  had  its  origin  in  caverns 
hewn  in  the  rocks.  The  Chinese  style,  easily  known  by 
its  waving  lines,  probably  had  its  type  in  the  eastern  tent. 
The  Saracenic,  or  Moorish  style,  rich  in  fanciful  decoration, 
is  striking  and  picturesque  in  its  details,  and  is  worthy  of 
the  attention  of  the  wealthy  amateur. 

Neither  of  these  styles  however,  are,  or  can  well  be, 
thoroughly  adapted  to  our  domestic  purposes,  as  they  are 
wanting  in  fitness,  and  have  comparatively  few  charms  of 
association  for  residents  of  this  country. 

The  only  styles  at  present  in  common  use  for  domestic 
architecture,  throughout  the  enlightened  portions  of  Europe 
and  America,  are  the  Grecian  and  Gothic  styles,  or  some 
modifications  of  these  two  distinct  kind  of  building.  These 
modifications,  which  of  themselves  are  now  considered 
styles  by  most  authors,  are,  the  Roman  and  modern  Italian 
styles,  which  have  grown  out  of  Greek  architecture;  the 
Castellated,  the  Tudor,  the  Elizabethan  and  the  rural 
Gothic,  or  old  English  cottage  styles,  all  of  which  are 
variations  of  Gothic  architecture. 

Grecian  or  classic  architecture,  was  exhibited  in  its  purity 
in  those  splendid  temples  of  the  golden  days  of  Athens, 
which  still  remain  in  a  sufficient  degree  of  preservation  to 
bear  ample  testimony  to  the  high  state  of  architectural  art 
among  the  Greeks.  The  best  works  of  that  period  are 
always  characterized  by  unity,  and  simplicity,  and  in  them 


352  LANDSCAPE  GARDENING. 

an  exquisite  proportion  is  united  with  a  chasteness  of 
decoration,  which  stamps  them  perfect  works  of  art.  Each 
of  the  five  orders  was  so  nicely  determined  by  their  pro- 
found knowledge  of  the  harmony  of  forms,  and  admirably 
executed,  that  all  modern  attempts  at  improving  them  have 
entirely  failed,  for  they  are,  individually,  complete  models. 

"  First  unadorned 


And  nobly  plain,  the  manly  Doric  rose ; 

The  Ionic  then  with  decent  matron  grace 

Her  airy  pillar  heaved ;  luxuriant  last 

The  rich  Corinthian  spread  her  wanton  wreath." 

A  single  or  double  portico  of  columns  supporting  a  lofty 
pediment,  the  latter  connected  with  the  main  body  of  the 
building,  which  in  most  cases  was  a  simple  parallelogram, 
were  the  characteristic  features  of  the  pure  Grecian  archi- 
tecture. And  this  very  simplicity  of  form,  united  with  the 
chasteness  of  decoration,  and  elegance  of  proportion,  en- 
hanced greatly  the  beauty  of  the  Grecian  temple  as  a  whole. 

To  the  scholar,  and  the  man  of  refined  and  cultivated  mind, 
the  associations  connected  with  Grecian  architecture  are  of 
the  most  delightful  character.  They  transport  him  back,  in 
imagination,  to  the  choice  days  of  classic  literature  and  art, 
when  the  disciples  of  the  wisest  and  best  of  Athens,  listened 
to  eloquent  discourses  that  were  daily  delivered  from  her 
grove-embowered  porticoes.  When  her  temples  were  de- 
signed by  a  Phidias,  and  her  architecture  encouraged  and 
patronized  by  a  Pericles ;  when,  in  short,  all  the  splendor  of 
Pagan  mythology,  and  the  wisdom  of  Greek  philosophy  were 
combined  to  perfect  the  arts  and  sciences  of  that  period,  and 
the  temples,  dedicated  to  the  Olympian  Jove  or  the  stately 
Minerva,  were  redolent  with  that  beauty,  which  the  Greeks 


RURAL    ARCHITECTURE.  353 

Worshipped,  studied,  and  so  well  knew  how  to  embody  in 
material  forms. 

As  it  is  admitted  then,  that  Grecian  architecture  is  intrin- 
sically beautiful  in  itself,  and  highly  interesting  in  point  of 
associations,  it  may  be  asked  what  are  the  objections,  if  any, 
to  its  common  introduction  into  domestic  Rural  Architecture. 

To  this  we  answer,  that  although  this  form  meagerly 
copied.  Fig.  38,  is  actually  in  more  common  use  than  any 
other  style,  in  the  United  States,  it  is  greatly  inferior  to  the 
Oothic  and  its  modifications  in  fitness,  including  under  that 
head  all  the  comforts  and  conveniences  of  country  life. 


[Fig.  38.    Grecian  Residence.] 

We  have  already  avowed  that  we  consider  fitness,  and  ex- 
pression of  purpose,  two  leading  principles  of  the  first  impor- 
tance in  Rural  Architecture  ;  and  Grecian  architecture  in  its 
pure  form,  viz  :  the  temple,  when  applied  to  the  purposes  of 
domestic  life,  makes  a  sad  blow  at  both  these  established 
rules.  As  a  public  building,  the  Greek  temple  form  is  per- 
fect, both  as  to  fitness,  (having  one  or  more  large  rooms,)  and 
expression  of  purpose ; — showing  a  high  broad  portico  for 
masses  of  people,  with  an  ample  opening  for  egress  and  in- 
gress.    Domestic  life,  on  the  contrary,   requires  apartments 

45 


354 


LANDSCAPE    GARDENING, 


of  various  dimensions,  some  large  and  others  smaller,  which, 
to  be  conveniently,  must  often  be  irregularly  placed,  with 
perhaps  openings  or  Avindows  of  different  sizes  or  dimensions. 
The  comforts  of  a  country  residence  are  so  various,  that 
verandas,  porches,  wings  of  different  sizes,  and  many  other 
little  accommodations  expressive  of  purpose,  become  neces- 
sary, and  therefore  when  properly  arranged,  add  to  the 
beauty  of  Rural  Architecture.  But  the  admirer  of  the  pure 
Greek  models  is  obliged  to  forego  the  majority  of  these  ;  and 
to  come  within  the  prescribed  form  of  the  rectangular  paral- 
lelogram, his  apartments  must  be  of  a  given  size  and  a 
limited  number,  while  many  things,  both  exterior  and  in- 
terior, which  convenience  might  otherwise  prompt,  have  to 
bow  to  the  despotic  SAvay  of  the  pure  Greek  model."*  In  a 
dwelling  of  moderate  dimensions  how  great  a  sacrifice  of 
room  is  made  to  enable  the  architect  to  display  the  jtortico 
alone !  We  speak  now,  chiefly,  of  houses  of  the  ordinary 
size,  for  if  one  chooses  to  build  a  palace,  it  is  evident  that 
ample  accommodations  may  be  obtained  in  any  style. 

It  has  been  well  observed  by 
modern  critics,  that  there  is  no 
reason  to  believe  the  temple 
form  was  ever,  even  by  the 
Greeks,  used  for  private  dwell- 
ings, which  easily  accounts  for 
our  comparative  failure,  in 
constructing  well  arranged, 
[Fig.  39.   Roman  Residence.]  Small  resideuces  lu  thls  stylc' 

*  We  are  well  aware  that  such  is  the  rage  for  this  style  among  us,  just  now, 
and  so  completely  have  our  builders  the  idea  of  its  unrivalled  supremacy  in  their 
heads,  that  many  submit  to  the  most  meagre  conveniences,  under  the  name  of 
closets,  Ubraries,  etc.,  in  our  country  houses,  without  a  murmur,  believing  that  they 
are  realizing  the  perfection  of  domestic  comfort. 


RURAL     ARCHITECTURE. 


355 


The  Romans,  either  unable  to  compose  in  the  simple  ele- 
gance and  beauty  of  the  Grecian  style,  or  feeling  its  want  of 
adaptation  to  the  multifarious  usages  of  a  more  luxurious 
state  of  society,  created  for  themselves  what  is  generally  con- 
sidered a  less  beautiful  and  perfect,  yet  which  is  certainly  a 
more  rich,  varied,  and,  if  we  may  use  the  term,  accommoda- 
ting style.  The  Roman  style  is  distinguished  from  its  pro- 
totype by  the  introduction  of  arched  openings  over  the  doors 
and  windows,  story  piled  over  story, — often  with  columns 
of  different  orders — instead  of  the  simple  unbroken  line 
of  the  Greek  edifices.  In  decoration,  the  buildings  in  this 
style  vary  from  plain,  miornamented  exteriors,  to  the  most 


[Fig.    40.    View  at  Presque  Isle,  the  residence  of  Wra-  Denning,  Esq.,  Dutcliess  Co.,  N.Y.] 


highly  decorated  facades  ;  and  instead  of  being  confined  to 
the  few  fixed  princijoles  of  the  Greek,  the  greatest  latitude 
is  often  observed  in  the  proportions,  forms  and  decorations 


356  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

of  buildings  in  the  Roman  style.  These  very  circumstances, 
while  they  rendered  the  style  less  perfect  as  a  fine  art,  or  for 
public  edifices,  gave  it  a  pliability,  or  facility  of  adaptation, 
which  fits  it  more  completely  for  domestic  purposes.  For 
this  reason,  a  great  portion  of  the  finest  specimens  of  the 
modern  domestic  architecture  of  the  other  continent,  is  to 
be  found  in  the  Roman  style.* 

The  Italian  style  is,  we  think,  decidedly  the  most  beauti- 
ful mode  for  domestic  purposes,  that  has  been  the  direct  off- 
spring of  Grecian  art.  It  is  a  style  which  has  evidently 
grown  up  under  the  eyes  of  the  painters  of  more  modern 
Italy,  as  it  is  admirably  adapted  to  harmonize  with  general 
nature,  and  produce  a  pleasing  and  picturesque  effect  in  fine 
landscapes.  Retaining  more  or  less  of  the  columns,  arches, 
and  other  details  of  the  Roman  style,  it  has  intrinsically  a  bold 
irregularity,  and  strong  contrast  of  light  and  shadow,  which 
give  it  a  peculiarly  striking  and  painter-like  effect. 

"  The  villa  architecture  of  modern  Italy,"  says  Mr.  Lamb, 
an  able  architect,!  "is  characterized,  when  on  a  moderate 
scale,  by  scattered  irregular  masses,  great  contrasts  of  light 
and  shade,  broken  and  plain  surfaces,  and  great  variety  of 
outline  against  the  sky.  The  blank  wall  on  which  the  eye 
sometimes  reposes ;  the  towering  campanile,  boldly  con- 
trasted with  the  horizontal  line  of  roof  only  broken  by  a  few 
straggling  chimney-tops  :  the  row  of  equal  sized,  closely 
placed  windows,  contrasting  with  the  plain  space  and  single 
window  of  the  projecting  balcony ;  the  prominent  portico, 
the  continued  arcade,  the  terraces,  and  the  variously  formed 

*  Perhaps  the  finest  facade  of  a  private  residence,  in  America,  is  tliat  of  the 
"  Patroon's  house,"  near  Albany,  the  ancient  seat  of  the  Van  Rensselaer  family, 
lately  remodelled  and  improved  by  that  skilful  architect,  Mr.  Upjohn,  of  New-York. 

t  Loudon's  Ency.  of  Arch.  p.  951. 


RURAL    ARCHITECTURE. 


357 


and  disposed  out-buildings,  all  combine  to  form  that  pictu- 
resque whole,  which  distinguishes  the  modern  Italian  villa 
from  every  other."* 

A  building  in  the  Italian  style,  may  readily  be  known  at 
first  sight,  by  the  peculiar  appearance  of  its  roofs.  These  are 
always  projecting  at  the  eaves,  and  deeply  furrowed  or  ridged. 


[Fig.  41.     A  Villa  in  the  Italian  style.] 

being  formed  abroad  of  semicylindrical  tiles,  which  give  a 
distinct  and  highly  marked  expression  to  this  portion  of  the 
building.t  So  many  appliances  of  comfort  and  enjoyment 
suited  to  a  warm  climate,  appear  too,  in  the  villas  of  this  style, 
that  it  has  a  peculiarly  elegant  and  refined  appearance. 
Among  these  are  arcades,  with  the  Roman  arched  openings, 
forming  sheltered  promenades ;  and  beautiful  balconies  pro- 
jecting from  single  windows,  or  sometimes  from  connected 
rows  of  windows  which  are  charming  places  for  a  coujj  (Tceil, 


*  In  this  country,  owing  to  the  greater  number  of  fires,  the  effect  would  be 
improved  by  an  additional  number  of  cWraiiey-tops. 

t  In  some  situations  in  this  country,  where  it  might  be  difficult  to  procure  tiles 
made  in  this  form,  their  effect  may  be  very  accurately  imitated  by  deeply  ridged 
zinc  or  tin  coverings.  The  bold  projection  of  the  eaves,  in  the  Italian  style,  offers 
grt^t  protection  to  a  house  against  storms  and  dampness. 


358 


LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 


or  to  enjoy  the  cool  breeze — as  they  admit,  to  shelter  one 
from  the  sun,  of  a  fanciful  awning  shade,  which  maybe  raised 
or  lowered  at  pleasure.  The  windows  themselves  are  bold, 
and  well  marked  in  outline,  being  either  round-arched  at  the 
tops,  or  finished  with  a  heavy  architrave. 

All  these  balconies,  arcades,  etc.,  are  sources  of  real  pleasure 
in  the  hotter  portions  of  our  year,  which  are  quite  equal  in 
elevation  of  temperature  to  summers  of  the  south  of  Eu- 
rope ;  while  by  increased  thickness  of  walls,  and  closeness  of 
window  fixtures,  the  houses  may  also  be  made  of  the  most 
comfortable  description  in  winter. 


[Fig.  42.    Resilience  of  Gov.  Morehead,  Nortli-Carolina.] 


The  Italian  chimney-tops,  unlike  the  Grecian,  are  always 
openly  shown  and  rendered  ornamental ;  and  as  we  have  al- 
ready mentioned,  the  irregularity  in  the  masses  of  the  edifice 
and  shape  of  the  roof,  renders  the  sky  outline  of  a  building 
in  this  style,  extremely  picturesque.  A  villa,  however  small, 
in  the  Italian  style,  may  have  an  elegant  and  expressive  cha- 
racter, without  interfering  with  convenient  internal  arrange- 
ment, while  at  the  same  time,  this  style  has  the  very  great 
merit  of  allowing  additions  to  be  made  in  almost  any  direc- 


Fig,  44 _    Villa  of  Theodore  Lyman.  E?q  nenr  Bootcu 


F^g  45      Residence  of  Bishop  X'oane,  Burlingtc; 


RURAT.    ARCHITECTURE. 


359 


tion,  without  injuring  the 
effect  of  the  original  struc- 
ture ;  indeed  such  is  the 
variety  of  sizes  and  forms, 
which  the  different  parts  of 
an  Italian  villa  may    take, 

[Fig.  43.     T„oNe..Haveu  Suburban  Vina.-]  ^     pCrfcCt     aCCOrdaUCC     Wlth 

architectural  propriety,  that  the  original  edifice  frequently 
gains  in  beauty  by  additions  of  this  description.  Those 
who  are  aware  how  many  houses  are  every  year  erected  in 
the  United  States,  by  persons  of  moderate  fortune,  who  would 
gladly  make  additions  at  some  subsequent  period,  could  this 
be  done  without  injuring  the  effect  or  beauty  of  the  main 
building,  will,  we  think,  acknowledge  how  much,  even  were 
it  in  this  single  point  alone,  the  Italian  style  is  superior  to  the 
Grecian  for  rural  residences.! 


*  New-Haven  abounds  with  tasteful  residences.  •'Hillhouse  Avenue"  in 
particular,  is  remarkable  for  a  neat  display  of  Tuscan  or  Italian  Suburban  Villas. 
Moderate  in  dimension  and  economical  in  construction,  these  exceedingly  neat 
edifices,  may  be  considered  as  models  for  this  kind  of  dwelling.  Fig.  43,  without 
being  a  precise  copy  of  any  one  of  these  buildings,  may  be  taken  as  a  pretty  accu- 
rate representation  of  their  general  appearance. 

t  The  villa  of  Theodore  Lyman,  Esq.,  at  Brookline,  near  Boston,  Fig.  44, 
is  a  highly  interesting  specimen  of  this  style,  designed  by  Mr.  Upjohn — ^beautiful 
in  exterior  effect,  and  replete  internally  with  every  comfort  and  convenience. 

Riverside  Villa,  the  residence  of  Bishop  Doane,  at  Burlington,  New-Jersey,  is  one 
of  the  best  examples  of  the  Italian  style  in  this  country.  For  the  drawings  from 
whichjigures  45  and  46  are  engraved,  and  for  the  following  description,  we  are 
indebted  to  the  able  architect,  John  Notman,  Esq.,  of  Philadelphia,  from  whose 
designs  the  whole  was  constructed. 

The  site  of  this  villa  is  upon  the  east  bank  of  the  Delaware  river,  near  the  town 
of  Burlington,  and  within  a  few  rods  of  the  margin  of  this  lovely  stream. 

The  Delaware,  at  this  part  of  its  course,  takes  a  direction  nearly  west ;  and 
while  the  river  front,  (comprising  the  drawing-room,  hall,  and  library,)  command- 
ing the  finest  water  views,  which  are  enjoyed  to  the  greatest  advantage  in  summer, 


360 


LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 


Pleasing  associations  are  connected  with  Roman  and  Ita- 
lian architecture,  especially  to  those  who  have  studied  their 

has  a  cool  aspect:  the  opposite  side  of  the  house,  including  the  dining-room, 
parlour,  etc.,  is  the  favourite  quarter  in  winter,  being  fully  exposed  to  the  genial 
influence  of  the  sunbeams  during  the  absence  of  foliage  at  that  season.  From 
this  side  of  the  house,  a  view  is  obtained  of  the  pretty  suburbs  of  Burlington, 
studded  with  neat  cottages  and  gardens. 

In  the  accompanying  plan,_^^.  46,  a,  is  the  hall;  b,  the  vestibule  ;  c,  the  dining- 
room  ;  d,  the  library ;  e,  the  drawing-room ;  /,  the  parlour ;  g,  Bishop  D's  room ; 
h,  dressing-room  ;  i,  water  closets  ;  j,  bath-room ;  Jc,  store-room ;  I,  principal  stairs ; 
m,  back  stairs  ;  o,  conservatory ;  p,  veranda,  etc. 

A  small  terrace  with  balustrade,  which  surrounds  the  hall  door,  gives  impor- 
tance to  this  leading  feature  of  the  entrance  front.  The  hall,  a,  is  17  feet  square ; 
on  the  right  of  the  arched  entrance  is  a  casement  vdndow,  opening  to  the  floor, 
occasionally  used  as  a  door  in  winter,  when  the  wind  is  north.    The  vestibule  b, 


[Fig.  46.     Plan  of  tlie  Principal  Floor.] 


opens  from  the  hall,  17  by  21  feet.  In  the  ceiling  of  this  central  apartment  is  a 
circular  opening,  with  railing  in  the  second  story,  forming  a  gallery  above,  which 
communicates  with  the  different  chambers,  and  affords  ventilation  to  the  whole 
house.    Over  this  circular  opening  is  a  sky-light  in  the  roof,  which,  mellowed  and 


RURAL    ARCHITECTURE.  361 

effect  in  all  the  richness  and  beauty  with  which  they  are  in- 
vested in  the  countries  where  they  originated ;  and  they  may 
be  regarded  with  a  degree  of  classic  interest  by  every  culti- 
vated mind.  The  modern  Italian  style  recalls  images  of  that 
land  of  painters  and  of  the  fine  arts,  where  the  imagination, 
the  fancy,  and  taste,  still  revel  in  a  world  of  beauty  and  grace. 
The  great  number    of  elegant    forms  which  have  grown 

softened  by  a  second  coloured  one  below  it,  serves  to  light  the  vestibule.  From 
the  vestibule  we  enter  the  dining-room,  b,  17  by  25  feet.  The  fine  vista  through 
the  hall,  vestibule,  and  dining-room,  70  feet  in  length,  is  here  terminated  by  the 
bay-window  at  the  extremity  of  the  dining-room,  which,  through  the  balcony, 
opens  on  the  lawn,  varied  by  groups  of  shrubbery.  On  the  left  side  of  the  ves- 
tibule, through  a  wide  circular  headed  opening,  we  enter  upon  the  principal  stairs, 
I.  This  opening  is  balanced  by  a  recess  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  vestibule. 
From  the  latter,  a  door  also  opens  into  the  library,  d,  and  another  into  the  drawing- 
room,  e :  offering,  by  a  window  in  the  library,  in  a  line  with  these  doors,  another 
fine  vista  in  this  direction.  The  library,  13  by  30  feet,  and  16  feet  high,  is 
fitted  up  in  a  rich  and  tasteful  manner,  and  completely  filled  with  choice 
books.  The  bay-window,  seen  on  the  left  in  the  perspective  view,  fig.  45,  is  a 
prominent  feature  in  tliis  room,  admitting,  through  its  coloured  panes,  a  pleasing, 
subdued  light,  in  keeping  with  the  character  of  the  apartment.  The  drawing-room 
is  19  by  30  feet,  with  an  enriched  panelled  ceiling,  15  feet  high.  At  the  extremity 
of  this  apartment,  the  veranda,  p,  with  a  charming  view,  aflFords  an  agreeable 
lounge  in  summer  evenings,  cooled  by  the  breeze  from  tlie  river.  From  the 
drawing-room,  a  glazed  door  opens  to  the  conservatory,  o,  and  another  door  to  the 
parlour,  /.  The  latter  is  18  by  20  feet,  looking  across  the  lawn  and  into  the 
conservatory.  Among  the  minor  details  are  a  china  closet,  r,  and  a  butler's  closet, 
s,  in  the  dining-room  ;  through  the  latter,  the  dishes  are  carried  to  and  from  the 
kitchen,  larder,  etc.  The  smaller  passage  leading  from  the  main  staircase,  opens 
to  the  store-room,  k,  and  other  apartments  already  designated,  and  communicates, 
by  the  back  stairs,  m,  with  the  servants'  chambers,  placed  over  this  part  of  the 
house,  apart  from  those  in  the  main  body  of  the  edifice.  The  large  kitchen  area, 
t,  is  sunk  one  story,  by  which  the  noise  and  smells  of  the  kitchen,  situated  under 
the  dining-room,  are  entirely  excluded  from  the  principal  story.  In  this  sunk 
story,  are  also  a  wash-room,  scullery,  and  ample  room  for  cellarage,  wine,  coals, 
etc.  A.  forcing-pump  supplies  the  whole  house  with  water  from  the  river  ;  and  in 
the  second  story  are  eight  principal  chambers,  averaging  360  square  feet  each, 
making  in  all  25  rooms  in  the  house,  of  large  size. 

46 


362  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

out  of  this  long  cultivated  feeling  for  the  beautiful  in  the  fine 
arts, — in  the  shape  of  fine  vases,  statues,  and  other  ornaments, 
which  harmonize  with,  and  are  so  well  adapted  to  enrich, 
this  style  of  architecture, — combine  to  render  it  in  the  fine 
terraced  gardens  of  Florence  and  other  parts  of  Italy,  one  of 
the  richest  and  most  attractive  styles  in  existence.  Indeed 
we  can  hardly  imagine  a  mode  of  building,  which  in  the 
hands  of  a  man  of  wealth  and  taste,  may,  in  this  country,  be 
made  productive  of  more  beauty,  convenience,  and  luxury, 
than  the  modern  Italian  style ;  so  well  suited  to  both  our  hot 
summers  and  cold  winters,  and  which  is  so  easily  suscep- 
tible of  enrichment  and  decoration,  while  it  is  at  the  same 
time  so  well  adapted  to  the  material,  in  the  most  common  use 
at  present  in  most  parts  of  the  country, — wood.  Yases,  and 
other  beautiful  architectural  ornaments,  may  now  be  pro- 
cured in  our  cities,  or  imported  direct  from  the  Mediter- 
ranean, finely  cut  in  Maltese  stone,  at  very  moderate  prices, 
and  which  serve  to  decorate  both  the  grounds  and  buildings 
in  a  handsome  manner. 

From  the  Italian  style  it  is  an  easy  transition  to  the  Swiss 
mode,  a  bold  and  spirited  one,  highly  picturesque  and  in- 
teresting in  certain  situations.  To  build  a  Swiss  cottage  in 
a  smooth  cultivated  country,  would,  both  as  regards  associa- 
tion, and  intrinsic  want  of  fitness,  be  the  height  of  folly. 
But  in  a  wild  and  mountainous  region,  such  as  the  borders 
of  certain  deep  valleys  and  rocky  glens  in  the  Hudson 
Highlands,  or  rich  bits  of  the  Alleghanies,  positions  may  be 
found  where  the  Swiss  cottage,  (Fig.  46,)  with  its  low  and 
broad  roof,  shedding  otF  the  heavy  snows,  its  ornamented 
exterior  gallery,  its  strong  and  deep  brackets,  and  its  rough 
and  rustic  exteriour,  would  be  in  the  highest  degree  ap- 
propriate. 


RURAL    ARCHITECTURE. 


363 


[Fig.  47.     The  Swiss  Cottage.] 


A  modification,  partaking  somewhat  of  the  Italian  and 
Swiss  features,  is  what  we  have  described  more  fully  in  our 
"Cottage  Residences"  as  the  Bracketed  mode.  It  pos- 
sesses a  good  deal  of  character,  is  capable  of  considerable 


[Fig.  43.    The  Bracketed  Mode. J 


364 


LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 


picturesque  effect, — is  very  easily  and  cheaply  constructed 
of  wood  or  stone,  and  is  perhaps  more  entirely  adapted  to 
our  hot  summers  and  cold  winters  than  any  other  equally 
simple  mode  of  building.  We  hope  to  see  this  Bracketed 
style  becoming  every  day  more  common  in  the  United 
States,  and  especially  in  our  farm  and  countiy  houses,  when 
wood  is  the  material  employed  in  their  construction. 

Gothic^  or,  more  properly,  pointed  architecture,  which 
sprung  up  with  the  Christian  religion,  reached  a  point  of 
great  perfection  about  the  thirteenth  century  ;  a  period  when 
the  most  magnificent  churches  and  cathedrals  of  England 
and  Germany  were  erected.  These  wonderful  structures, 
reared  by  an  almost  magical  skill  and  contrivance,  with  their 
richly  groined  roofs  of  stone,  supported  in  mid-air ;  their 
beautiful  and  elaborate  tracery  and  carving  of  plants,  flowers, 
and  animate  objects  ;  their  large  windows,  through  which 
streamed  a  rich  glow  of  rainbow  light ;  their  various  but- 
tresses and  pinnacles,  all  contributing  to  strengthen,  and 
at  the  same  time  give  additional  beauty  to  the  exterior  ;  their 
clustered  columns,  airy-like,  yet  firm  ;  and,  surmounting  the 
whole,  the  tall  spire,  piled  up  to  an  almost  fearful  height 
toward  the  heavens  ;  are  lasting  monuments  of  the  genius, 
scientific  skill,  and  mechanical  ingenuity  of  the  artists  of 
those  times.  That  person,  who  from  ignorance  or  preju- 
dice, fully  supposes  there  is  no  architecture  but  that  of 
the  Greeks,  would  do  well  to  study  one  of  these  unrivalled 
specimens  of  human  skill.  In  so  doing,  unless  he  closes  his 
eyes  against  the  evidences  of  his  senses,  he  cannot  but  admit 
that  there  is  far  more  genius,  and  more  mathematical  skill, 
evinced  in  one  of  these  cathedrals,  than  would  have  been 
requisite  in  the  construction  of  the  most  celebrated  of  the 
Greek  temples.     Though  they  may  not  exhibit  that  simpli- 


RURAL    ARCHITECTURE.  365 

city  and  harmony  of  proportion  which  Grecian  buildings  dis- 
play, they  abound  in  much  higher  proofs  of  genius,  as  is 
abundantly  evinced  in  the  conception  and  execution  of 
cathedrals  so  abounding  in  unrivalled  sublimity,  variety,  and 
beauty. 

Gothic  architecture,  in  its  purity,  was  characterized  mainly 
by  the  pointed  arch.  This  novel  feature  in  architecture? 
which,  probably,  in  the  hands  of  artists  of  great  mathema- 
tical skill,  was  suggested  by  the  inefficiency  of  the  Roman 
arch  first  used,  has  given  rise  to  all  the  superior  boldness  and 
picturesqueness  of  this  style  compared  with  the  Grecian ;  for 
while  the  Greek  artist  was  obliged  to  cover  his  narrow  open- 
ing with  architraves,  or  solid  blocks  of  stone,  resting  on 
columns  at  short  intervals,  and  filling  up  the  open  space,  the 
Gothic  artist,  by  a  single  span  of  his  pointed  arch,  resting  on 
distant  pillars,  kept  the  whole  area  beneath,  free  and  unen- 
cumbered. Applied,  too,  to  openings  for  the  admission  of 
light,  which  were  deemed  of  comparatively  little  or  no  im- 
portance by  the  Greeks,  the  arch  was  of  immense  value, 
making  it  possible  to  pierce  the  solid  wall  with  large  and 
lofty  apertures,  that  diffiised  a  magical  brilliancy  of  light,  in 
the  otherwise  dim  and  shadowy  interior. 

We  have  here  adverted  to  the  Gothic  cathedral,  (as  we 
did  to  the  Greek  temple,)  as  exhibiting  the  peculiar  style  in 
question,  in  its  greatest  purity.  For  domestic  purposes,  both, 
for  the  same  reasons,  are  equally  unfitted ;  as  they  were 
never  so  intended  to  be  used  by  their  original  inventors,  and 
being  entirely  wanting  in  fitness  for  the  purposes  of 
habitation  in  domestic  life ;  the  Greek  temple,  as  we  have 
already  shown,  from  its  massive  porticoes,  and  the  simple 
rectangular  form  of  its  interior ;  and  the  Gothic  cathedral, 
from  its  high-pointed  windows,  and  immense  vaulted  apart- 


366  LANDSCAPE  GARDENING. 

ments.  It  would  scarcely,  however,  be  more  absurd  to 
build  a  miniature  cathedral,  for  a  dwelling  in  the  Gothic 
style,  than  to  make  an  exact  copy  of  the  Temple  of  Minerva 
30  by  50  feet  in  size,  for  a  country  residence,  as  we  often 
witness  in  this  country. 

The  Gothic  iStj/le,  as  applied  to  domestic  Architecture, 
has  been  varied  and  adapted  in  a  great  diversity  of  ways,  to 
the  wants  of  society  in  different  periods,  from  the  12th  cen- 
tury to  the  present  time.  The  baronial  castle  of  feudal  days, 
perched  upon  its  solitary,  almost  inaccessible  height,  and 
built  strongly,  for  defence ;  the  Collegiate  or  monastic  abbey 
of  the  monks,  suited  to  the  rich  fertile  plains  which  these 
jolly  ascetics  so  well  knew  how  to  select ;  the  Tudor  or 
Elizabethan  mansion,  of  the  English  gentleman,  surrounded 
by  its  beautiful  park,  filled  with  old  ancestral  trees  ;  and  the 
pretty,  rural,  gabled  cottage,  of  more  humble  pretensions  ;  are 
all  varieties  of  this  multiform  style,  easily  adapting  itself  to 
the  comforts  and  conveniences  of  private  life. 

Contrasted  with  Classic  Architecture  and  its  varieties,  in 
which  horizontal  lines  are  most  prevalent,  all  the  different 
Gothic  modes  or  styles,  exhibit  a  preponderance  of  vertical, 
or  perpendicular  lines.  In  the  purer  Gothic  Architecture, 
the  style  is  often  determined  by  the  form  of  the  arch  predomi- 
nant in  the  window  and  door  openings,  which  in  all  edi- 
fices, (except  Norman  buildings,)  were  lancet-shaped,  or  high 
pointed,  in  the  13th  century  ;  four-centred,  or  low  arched, 
in  the  times  of  Henry  VII.  and  VIII.,  and  finally  square- 
headed,  as  in  most  domestic  buildings  of  later  date. 

Castellated  Gothic  is  easily  known,  at  first  sight,  by  the 
line  of  battlements  cut  out  of  the  solid  parapet  wall,  which 
surmounts  the  outline  of  the  building  in  every  part.  These 
generally  conceal  the  roof,  which  is  low,  and  were  originally 


RURAL    ARCHITECTURE. 


367 


intended  as  a  shelter  to 
those  engaged  in  defend- 
ing the  building  against 
assaults.  Modern  build- 
ings in  the  castellated 
style,  without  sacrificing 
almost  every  thing  to 
[Fig.  49,  The  Castellated  mode.]  Strength,    as    was    oncc 

necessary,  preserve  the  general  character  of  the  ancient 
castle,  while  they  combine  with  it  almost  every  modern 
luxury.  In  their  exteriors,  we  perceive  strong  and  massive 
octagonal  or  circular  towers,  rising  boldly,  with  corbelled 
or  projecting  cornices,  above  the  ordinary  level  of  the 
building.  The  windows  are  either  pointed  or  square-headed, 
or  perhaps  a  mixture  of  both.  The  porch  rises  into  a  turret- 
ed  and  embattled  gateway,  and  all  the  offices  and  out-build- 
ings connected  with  the  main  edifice,  are  constructed  in  a 
style  corresponding  to  that  exhibited  in  the  main  body  of  the 
building.  The  whole  is  placed  on  a  distinct  and  firm  ter- 
race of  stone,  and  the  expression  of  the  edifice  is  that  of 
strength  and  security. 

This  mode  of  building  is  evidently  of  too  ambitious  and 
expensive  a  kind,  for  a  republic,  where  landed  estates  are  not 
secured  by  entail,  but  divided,  according  to  the  dictates  of 
nature,  among  the  different  members  of  a  family.  It  is,  per- 
haps, also  rather  wanting  in  appropriateness  ;  castles  never 
having  been  used  for  defence  in  this  country.  Notwith- 
standing these  objections,  there  is  no  very  weighty  reason  why 
a  wealthy  proprietor  should  not  erect  his  mansion  in  the  cas- 
tellated style,  if  that  style  be  in  unison  with  his  scenery  and 
locality.  Few  instances,  however,  of  sufficient  wealth  and 
taste  to  produce  edifices  of  this  kind,  are  to  be  met  with 


368  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

among  us  ;  and  the  castellated  style  is  therefore  one  which 
we  cannot  fully  recommend  for  adoption  here.  Paltry  imi- 
tations of  it,  in  materials  less  durable  than  brick  or  stone, 
would  be  discreditable  to  any  person  having  the  least  preten- 
sion to  correct  taste. 

The  Castellated  style  never  appears  completely  at  home 
except  in  wild  and  romantic  scenery,  or  in  situations  where 
the  neighbouring  mountains,  or  wild  passes,  are  sufficiently 
near  to  give  that  character  to  the  landscape.  In  such  locali- 
ties the  Gothic  castle  affects  us  agreeably,  because  we  know 
that  baronial  castles  were  generally  built  in  similar  spots, 
and  because  the  battlements,  towers,  and  other  bold  featm-es, 
combine  well  with  the  rugged  and  spirited  character  of  the 
surrounding  objects.  To  place  such  a  building  in  this  coun- 
try on  a  smooth  surface  in  the  midst  of  fertile  plains,  would 
immediately  be  felt  to  be  bad  taste  by  every  one,  as  from  the 
style  not  having  been  before  our  eyes  from  childhood,  as  it  is 
in  Europe,  we  immediately  refer  to  its  original  purposes, — 
those  of  security  and  defence. 

A  mansion  in  the  Tudor  Style  affords  the  best  example 
of  the  excellency  of  Gothic  architecture  for  domestic  pur- 
poses. The  roof  often  rises  boldly  here,  instead  of  being 
concealed  by  the  parapet  wall,  and  the  gables  are  either  plain, 
or  ornamental  with  crockets.  The  windows  are  divided  by 
mullions,  and  are  generally  enriched  with  tracery  in  a  style 
less  florid  than  that  employed  in  churches,  but  still  suffi- 
ciently elegant  to  give  an  appearance  of  decoration  to  these 
parts  of  the  building.  Sometimes  the  low,  or  Tudor  arch,  is 
displayed  in  the  window-heads,  but  most  commonly  the 
square-headed  window  with  the  Gothic  label  is  employed. 
Great  latitude  is  allowed  in  this  particular,  as  well  as  in  the 
size  of  the  window,  provided  the  general  details  of  style  are 


jc6  of  Joel  Ratlib'ino.  Esq    noai-   -Mban-v^,  N,  Y 


Fig   52      Mr   Paulding's  Residence,  Tarrytown,  N   T. 


RURAL    ARCHITECTURE.  369 

attended  to.  Indeed,  in  the  domestic  architecture  of  this  era, 
the  windows  and  doors  are  often  sources  of  great  architectu- 
ral beauty,  instead  of  being  left  mere  bare  openings  filled 
with  glass  as  in  the  Classic  styles.  Not  only  is  each  indi- 
vidual window  divided  by  mullions,  in  compartments  whose 
tops  are  encircled  by  tracery  ;  but  in  particular  apartments, 
as  the  dining-hall,  library,  etc.,  these  are  filled  with  richly 
stained  glass,  which  gives  a  mellow  pleasing  light  to  the 
apartment.  Added  to  this,  the  windows,  in  the  best  Tudor 
mansions,  affected  a  great  variety  of  forms  and  sizes.  Among 
these  stand  conspicuous,  the  bay,  and  oriel  windows.  The 
bay-window,  which  is  introduced  on  the  first  or  principal  floor, 
in  most  apartments,  of  much  size  or  importance,  is  a  win- 
dow of  treble  or  quadruple  the  common  size,  projecting  from 
the  main  body  of  the  room  in  a  semi-octagonal  or  hexagonal 
form,  thereby  affording  more  space  in  the  apartment,  from 
the  floor  to  the  ceiling,  as  well  as  giving  an  abundance  of 
light,  and  a  fine  prospect  in  any  favourite  direction.  This, 
while  it  has  a  grander  effect  than  several  windows  of  mode- 
rate size,  gives  a  variety  of  form  and  outline  to  the  different 
apartments,  that  can  never  be  so  well  attained  when  the 
windows  are  mere  openings  cut  in  the  solid  walls.  The  oriel- 
window  is  very  similar  to  the  bay-window,  but  projecting 
in  a  similar  manner  from  the  upper  story,  supported  on  cor- 
belled mouldings.  These  windows  are  not  only  elegant  in 
the  interior,  but  by  standing  out  from  the  face  of  the  walls, 
they  prevent  any  thing  like  too  great  a  formality  externally, 
and  bestow  a  pleasing  variety  on  the  different  fronts  of  the 
building 

The  sky  outline  of  a  villa  in  the  Tudor  Gothic  style,  is 
highly  picturesque.  It  is  made  up  of  many  fine  features. 
The  pointed  gables,  with  their  finials,  are  among  the  most 

47 


370  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

Striking,  and  the  neat  parapet  wall,  either  covered  with  a 
moulded  coping,  or,  perhaps,  diversified  with  battlements ; 
the  latter  not  so  massive  as  in  th.  castellated  style,  but  evi- 
dently intended  for  ornament  only.  The  roof  line  is  often 
varied  by  the  ornamented  gablet  of  a  dormer  window,  rising 
here  and  there,  and  adding  to  the  quaintness  of  the  whole. 
We  must  not  forget,  above  all,  the  highly  enriched  chim- 
ney shaft,  which,  in  the  English  examples,  is  made  of 
fancifully  moulded  bricks,  and'  is  carried  up  in  clusters 
some  distance  above  the  roof.  How  much  more  pleasing 
for  a  dwelling  must  be  the  outline  of  such  a  building,  than 
that  of  a  simple  square  roof  whose  summit  is  one  unbroken 
straight  line  !* 

The  enclosed  entrance  porch,  approached  by  three  or  four 
stone  steps,  with  a  seat  or  two  for  servants  waiting,  is  a  dis- 
tinctive mark  of  all  the  old  English  houses.  This  projects, 
in  most  cases,  from  the  main  body  of  the  edifice,  and  opens 
directly  into  the  hall.  The  latter  apartment  is  not  merely, 
(as  in  most  of  our  modern  houses,)  an  entry,  narrow  and 
long,  running  directly  through  the  house,  but  has  a  peculiar 
character  of  its  own,  being  rather  spacious,  the  roof  or  ceil- 
ing ribbed  or  groined,  and  the  floor  often  inlaid  with  marble 
tiles.  A  corresponding  and  suitable  style  of  finish,  with 
gothic  details,  runs  through  all  the  different  apartments, 
each  of  which,  instead  of  being  finished  and  furnished  with 
the  formal  sameness  here  so  prevalent,  displays,  according 
to  its  peculiar  purposes — as  the  dming-room,  drawing-room, 
libraiy,  etc. — a  marked  and  characteristic  air. 

*  Two  miles  south  of  Albany,  on  a  densely  wooded  hill,  is  the  villa  of  Joel 
Rathbone,  Esq.,  Fig.  51,  one  of  the  most  complete  specimens  of  the  Tndor  style  in 
the  United  States.  It  was  built  from  the  designs  of  Davis,  and  is,  to  the  amateur, 
a  very  instructive  example  of  this  mode  of  domestic  architecture. 


Fig  53.      Residence  of  the  Aiithor,  near  Newburgh,  N  T. 


Fig.  54      Cottage  of  S.  E.  Lyon,  Esq.  White  Plains, 'N,  T. 


371 


RURAL    ARCHITECTURE.  371 

We  have  thus  particularized  the  Tudor  mansion,  because 
we  beheve  that  for  a  cold  country  like  England  or  the 
United  States,  it  has  strong  claims  upon  the  attention  of 
large  landed  proprietors,  or  those  who  wish  to  realize  in  a 
country  residence  the  greatest  amount  of  comfort  and  enjoy- 
ment. With  the  addition,  here,  of  a  veranda,  which  the 
cool  summers  of  England  render  needless,  we  believe  the 
Tudor  Gothic  to  be  the  most  convenient  and  comfortable, 
and  decidedly  the  most  picturesque  and  striking  style,  for 
country  residences  of  a  superior  class.*  The  materials  gene- 
rally employed  in  their  construction  in  England,  are  stone 
and  brick  ;  and  of  late  years,  brick  and  stucco  has  come  into 
very  general  use. 

The  Elizabethan  Style,  that  mode  of  building  so  com- 
mon in  England  in  the  17th  century, — a  mixture  of  Gothic 
and  Grecian  in  its  details — is  usually  considered  as  a  bar- 
barous kind  of  architecture,  wanting  in  purity  of  taste.  Be 
this  as  it  may,  it  cannot  be  denied  that  in  the  finer  specimens 
of  this  style,  there  is  a  surprising  degree  of  richness  and 
picturesqueness  for  which  we  may  look  in  vain  elsewhere. 
In  short  it  seems,  in  the  best  examples,  admirably  fitted 
for  a  bowery,  thickly  foliaged  country,  like  England,  and 
for  the  great  variety  of  domestic  enjoyments  of  its  inhabi- 
tants. In  the  most  florid  examples  of  this  style,  of  which 
many  specimens  yet  remain,  we  often  meet  with  every  kind 
of  architectural  feature  and  ornament,  oddly,  and  often 
grotesquely  combined — pointed  gables,  dormer-windows, 
steep  and  low  roofs,  twisted  columns,  pierced  parapets,  and 

*  The  residence  of  Samuel  E.  Lyon,  Esq.,  at  White  Plains,  N.  Y.,  Fig.  54,  is  a 
very  pleasing  example  of  the  Tudor  Cottage. 

The  seat  of  Robert  Gilmor,  Esq.,  near  Baltimore,  in  the  Tudor  style,  is  a  very 
extensive  pile  of  building. 


372  LANDSCAPE  GARDENING. 

broad  windows  with  small  lights.  Sometimes,  the  effect  of 
this  fantastic  combination  is  excellent,  but  often  bad.  The 
florid  Elizabethan  style,  is,  therefore,  a  very  dangerous  one 
in  the  hands  of  any  one  but  an  architect  of  profound  taste  ; 
but  we  think  in  some  of  its  simpler  forms,  (fig.  55,)  it  may 
be  adopted  for  country  residences  here  in  picturesque  situa- 
tions with  a  quaint  and  happy  effect.* 

The  English  cottage  style,  or  what  we  have  denomina- 
ted Rural  Gotliic,  contains  within  itself  all  the  most  stri- 
king and  peculiar  elements  of  the  beautiful  and  picturesque 
in  its  exterior,  while  it  admits  of  the  greatest  possible  variety 
of  accommodation  and  convenience  in  internal  arrangement. 

In  its  general  composition,  Rural  Gothic  really  differs  from 
the  Tudor  style  more  in  that  general  swvplicity  which  serves 
to  distinguish  a  cottage  or  villa  of  moderate  size  from  a  man- 
sion, than  inany  marked  character  of  its  own.  The  square- 
headed  windows  preserve  the  same  form,  and  display  the 
Gothic  label  and  mullions,  though  the  more  expensive  finish 
of  decorative  traceiy  is  frequently  omitted.  Diagonal,  or 
latticed  lights  'are  also  more  commonly  seen  in  the  cottage 
style,  than  in  the  mansion.  The  general  form  and  arrange- 
ment of  the  building,  though,  of  course,  much  reduced,  is 


*  A  highly  unique  residence  in  the  old  English  style,  is  Pelham  Priory,  the  seat 
of  the  Rev.  Robert  Bolton,  near  New  Rochelle,  N.  Y.,  Fig.,  56.  The  exterior  is 
massive  and  picturesque,  in  the  simplest  taste  of  the  Elizabethan  age,  and  being 
built  amidst  a  fine  oak  wood,  of  the  dark  rough  stone  of  the  neighborhood,  it  has 
at  once  the  appearance  of  considerable  antiquity.  The  interior  is  constructed 
and  fitted  up  throughout  in  the  same  feeling, — with  harmonious  wainscoting,  quaint 
car\ing,  massive  chimney  pieces,  and  old  furniture  and  armour.  Indeed  we 
doubt  if  there  is,  at  the  present  moment,  any  recent  private  residence,  even  in 
Eneland,  where  the  spirit  of  the  antique  is  more  entirely  carried  out,  and  where 
one  may  more  easily  fancy  himself  in  one  of  those  "  mansions  builded  curiously" 
of  our  ancestors  in  the  time  of  "  good  Queen  Bess." 


Fig.  55.     A  Mans.OQ  m  the  El  7abethan  style 


•Fig   50.     The  Residencs  of  i;  Bolton,  near  New  Rochei  "i 


RURAL    ARCHITECTURE.  373 

not  unlike  that  of  the  latter  edifice.  The  entrance  porch  is 
always  preserved,  and  the  bay  window  jutting  out  from  the 
best  apartment,  gives  variety,  and  an  agreeable  expression  of 
use  and  enjoyment,  to  almost  every  specimen  of  the  old  Eng- 
lish cottage. 

Perhaps  the  most  striking  feature  of  this  charming 
style  as  we  see  it  in  the  best  old  English  cottages,  is  the 
pointed  gable.  This  feature,  which  grows  out  of  the  high 
roofs  adopted,  not  only  appears  in  the  two  ends  of  the  main 
building,  but  terminates  every  Aving  or  projection  of  almost 
any  size  that  joins  to  the  principal  body  of  the  house.  The 
gables  are  either  of  stone  or  brick,  with  a  handsome  moulded 
coping,  or  they  are  finished  with  the  widely  projecting  roof 
of  wood,  and  verge  boards,  carved  in  a  fanciful  and  highly 
decorative  shape.  In  either  case,  the  point  or  apex  is 
crowned  by  a  finial,  or  ornamented  octagonal  shaft,  render- 
ing the  gable  one  of  the  greatest  sources  of  interest  in  these 
dwellings.     The  projecting  roof  renders  the  walls  always  dry. 

The  porch,  the  labelled  windows,  the  chimney  shafts,  and 
the  ornamented  gables,  being  the  essential  features  in  the 
composition  of  the  English  cottage  style,  it  is  evident  that 
this  mode  of  building  is  highly  expressive  of  purpose,  for 
country  residences  of  almost  every  description  and  size,  from 
the  humblest  peasant's  cottage,  to  the  beautiful  and  pictu- 
resque villa  of  the  retired  gentleman  of  fortune.  In  the 
simple  form  of  the  cottage,  the  whole  may  be  constructed  of 
wood  very  cheaply,  and  in  the  more  elaborate  villa  residence, 
stone,  or  brick  and  cement  may  be  preferred,  as  being  more 
permanent.  No  style  so  readily  admits  of  enrichment  as 
that  of  the  old  English  cottage  when  on  a  considerable  scale ; 
and  by  the  addition  of  pointed  verandas,  bay  windows,  and 
dormer-windows,  by  the  introduction  of  mullions  and  tracery 


374  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

in  the  window  openings,  and  indeed,  by  a  multitude  of  in- 
terior and  exterior  enrichments  generally  applied  to  the 
Tudor  mansions,  a  villa  in  the  rural  Gothic  style  may  be 
made  a  perfect  gem  of  a  country  residence.  Of  all  the 
styles  hitherto  enumerated,  we  consider  this  one  of  the  most 
suitable  for  this  country,  as,  while  it  comes  within  the 
reach  of  all  persons  of  moderate  means,  it  unites  as  we  before 
stated,  so  much  of  convenience  and  rural  beauty.* 

To  the  man  of  taste,  there  is  no  style  which  presents 
greater  attractions,  being  at  once  rich  in  picturesque  beau- 
ty, and  harmonious  in  connection  with  the  surrounding 
forms  of  vegetation.  The  Grecian  villa,  with  its  simple 
forms  and  horizontal  lines,  seems  to  us  only  in  good  keeping 
when  it  is  in  a  smooth  highly  cultivated  peaceful  scene. 
But  the  Rural  Gothic,  the  lines  of  which  point  upwards,  in 
the  pyramidal  gables,  tall  clusters  of  chimneys,  finials,  and 
the  several  other  portions  of  its  varied  outline,  harmonizes 
easily  with  the  tall  trees,  the  tapering  masses  of  foliage,  or 
the  surrounding  hills  ;  and  while  it  is  seldom  or  never 
misplaced  in  spirited  rural  scenery,  it  gives  character  and 
picturesque  expression  to  many  landscapes  entirely  devoid 
of  that  quality. 

What  we  have  already  said  in  speaking  of  the  Italian  style, 
respecting  the  facility  with  which  additions  may  be  made  to 

*  The  only  objection  that  can  be  urged  against  this  mode  of  building,  is  lliat 
which  applies  to  all  cottages  with  a  low  second  story,  viz :  want  of  coolness  in 
the  sleeping  chambers  during  mid-summer.  An  evil  which  may  bo  remedied 
by  constructing  a  false  inner-roof— leaving  a  vacuity  between  the  two  roofs  of  six 
or  eight  inches,  which  being  occupied  with  air,  and  ventilated  at  the  top  will  almost 
entirely  obviate  the  objection. 

In  our  Cottage  Residences,  Design  II.,  we  have  shown  how  the  comfort  of  a 
full  second  storj',  suitable  for  tliis  climate,  may  be  combined  with  the  expression 
of  the  English  cottage  style. 


RURAL    ARCHITECTURE.  375 

irregular  houses,  applies  with  equal,  or  even  greater  force,  to 
the  varieties  of  the  Gothic  style,  just  described.  From  the 
very  fact  that  the  highest  beauty  of  these  modes  of  building 
arises  from  their  irregularity,  (opposed  to  Grecian  architec- 
ture, which,  in  its  chaste  simplicity,  should  be  regular,)  it  is 
evident  that  additions  judiciously  made,  will  tend  to  increase 
this  beauty,  or  afford  more  facility  for  its  display  ;  while  it 
is  equally  evident  that  in  the  interior  arrangement,  including 
apartments  of  every  description,  superior  opportunities  are 
afforded  for  attaining  internal  comfort  and  convenience,  as 
well  as  external  effect. 

The  ideas  connected  in  our  minds  with  Gothic  architec- 
ture are  of  a  highly  romantic  and  j)oetical  nature,  contrasted 
with  the  classical  associations  which  the  Greek  and  Roman 
styles  suggest.  Although  our  own  country  is  nearly  destitute 
of  ruins,  and  ancient  time-worn  edifices,  yet  the  literature  of 
Europe,  and  particularly  of  what  we  term  the  mother  coun- 
try, is  so  much  our  own,  that  we  form  a  kind  of  delightful 
ideal  aquaintance  with  the  venerable  castles,  abbeys,  and 
strong-holds  of  the  middle  ages.  Romantic,  as  is  the  real 
history  of  those  times  and  places,  to  our  minds  their  charm 
is  greatly  enhanced  by  distance,  by  the  poetry  of  legendary 
superstition,  and  the  fascination  of  fictitious  narrative.  A  cas- 
tellated residence,  therefore,  in  a  wild  and  picturesque  situa- 
tion, may  be  interesting,  not  only  from  its  being  perfectly  in 
keeping  with  surrounding  nature,  but  from  the  delightful 
manner  in  which  it  awakens  associations  fraught  with  the 
most  enticing  history  of  the  past. 

The  older  domestic  architectm-e  of  the  English  may  be 
viewed  in  another  pleasing  light.  Their  buildings  and  resi- 
dences have  not  only  the  recommendation  of  beauty  and  com- 
plete adaptation,  but  the  additional  charm  of  having  been  the 


376  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

homes  of  our  ancestors,  and  the  dwelUngs  of  that  bright 
galaxy  of  English  genius  and  worth,  which  illuminates  equal- 
ly the  intellectual  firmament  of  both  hemispheres.  He,  who 
has  extended  his  researches,  con  amore,into  the  history  of  the 
domestic  life  and  habits  of  those  illustrious  minds,  will  not, 
we  are  sure,  forget  that  lowly  cottage  by  the  side  of  the  Avon, 
where  the  great  English  bard  was  wont  to  dwell ;  the  taste- 
ful residence  of  Pope  at  Twickenham  ;  or  the  turrets  and 
battlements  of  the  more  picturesque  Abbotsford  ;  and  num- 
berless other  examples  of  the  rural  buildings  of  England, 
once  the  abodes  of  renowned  genius.  In  truth,  the  cottage 
and  villa  architecture  of  the  English,  has  grown  out  of  the 
feelings  and  habits  of  a  refined  and  cultivated  people,  whose 
devotion  to  countiy  life,  and  fondness  for  all  its  pleasures, 
are  so  finely  displayed  in  the  beauty  of  their  dwellings,  and 
tlic  exquisite  keeping  of  their  buildings  and  grounds. 

We  must  be  permitted  to  quote,  in  further  proof  of  English 
taste  and  habits,  and  their  results  in  their  comitry  residences, 
the  testimony  of  our  countryman,  Washington  Irving,  in  one 
of  his  most  elegant  essays.  "  The  taste  of  the  English  in 
the  cultivation  of  land,  and  in  what  is  called  Landscape 
Gardening,  is  unrivalled.  They  have  studied  nature  intent- 
ly, and  discovered  an  exquisite  sense  of  her  beautiful  forms 
and  harmonious  combinations.  Those  charms  which  in 
other  countries  she  lavishes  in  wild  solitudes,  are  here 
assembled  around  the  haunts  of  domestic  life.  They  seem 
to  have  caught  her  coy  and  furtive  graces,  and  spread  them 
like  witchery  about  their  rural  abodes.  Nothing  can  be 
more  imposing  than  the  magnificence  of  English  park 
scenery.  Vast  lawns  that  extend  like  sheets  of  vivid  green, 
with  here  and  there  clumps  of  gigantic  trees  heaping  up 
rich  piles  of  foliage.     The  solemn  group  of  groves  and 


Rural  architecture.  377 

woodland  glades,  with  the  deer  trooping  in  silent  herds 
across  them ;  the  hare  bounding  away  to  the  covert,  or  the 
pheasant  bursting  suddenly  upon  the  wing.  The  brook, 
taught  to  wind  in  natural  meanderings,  or  expand  into  a 
glassy  lake, — the -sequestered  pool  reflecting  the  quivering 
trees,  with  the  yellow  leaf  sleeping  upon  its  bosom,  and  the 
trout  roaming  fearlessly  about  its  limpid  waters ;  while  some 
rustic  temple  or  sylvan  statue,  grown  green  and  dark  with 
age,  gives  an  air  of  classic  sanctity  to  the  seclusion." 

"These  are  but  a  few  of  the  features  of  park  scenery  ;  but 
what  most  delights  me,  is  the  creative  talent  with  which  the 
English  decorate  the  unostentatious  abodes  of  middle  life. 
The  rudest  habitation,  the  most  unpromising  and  scanty  por- 
tion of  land,  in  the  hands  of  an  Englishman  of  taste,  becomes 
a  little  paradise.  With  a  nicely  discriminating  eye  he  seizes 
at  once  upon  its  capabilities,  and  pictures  in  his  mind  the 
future  landscape.  The  sterile  spot  grows  into  loveliness 
under  his  hand ;  and  yet  the  operations  of  art  which  produce 
the  effect  are  scarcely  to  be  perceived  ;  the  cherishing  and 
training  of  some  trees  ;  the  cautious  pruning  of  others  ;  the 
nice  distribution  of  flowers  and  plants  of  tender  and  graceful 
foliage ;  the  introduction  of  a  green  slope  of  velvet  turf ;  the 
partial  opening  to  a  peep  of  blue  distance,  or  silver  gleam 
of  water, — all  these  are  managed  with  a  delicate  tact,  a  per- 
vading, yet  quiet  assiduity,  like  the  magic  touchings  with 
which  a  painter  finishes  up  a  favourite  picture."' 

"  The  residence  of  people  of  fortune  and  refinement  in  the 
country,  has  diffused  a  degree  of  taste  and  elegance  that  de- 
scends to  the  lowest  class.  The  very  labourer,  with  his 
thatched  cottage  and  narrow  slip  of  ground,  attends  to  their 
embellishment.  The  trim  hedge,  the  grass-plot  before  the 
door,  the  little  flower  bed,  bordered  with  snug  box,  the  wood- 

48 


378  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

bine  trained  up  against  the  wall,  and  hanging  its  blossoms 
about  the  lattice  ;  the  pot  of  flowers  in  the  window  ;  the 
holly  providentially  planted  about  the  house  to  cheat  winter 
of  its  dreariness,  and  to  throw  in  a  semblance  of  green  sum- 
mer to  cheat  the  fireside  ; — all  these  bespeak  the  influence 
of  taste  flowing  down  from  high  sources,  and  pervading  the 
lowest  levels  of  the  public  mind.  If  ever  love,  as  the  poets 
sing,  delights  to  visit  a  cottage,  it  must  be  the  cottage  of  an 
English  peasant."' 

It  is  this  love  of  rural  life  and  this  nice  feeling  of  the  har- 
monious union  of  nature  and  art,  that  reflects  so  much  credit 
upon  the  English  as  a  people,  and,  which  sooner  or  later  we 
hope  to  see  completely  naturalized  in  this  country.  Under 
its  enchanting  influence,  the  too  great  bustle  and  excitement 
of  our  commercial  cities  will  be  happily  counterbalanced  by 
the  more  elegant  and  quiet  enjoyments  of  country  life.  Out 
rural  residences,  evincing  that  love  of  the  beautiful  and  the 
picturesque,  which,  combined  with  solid  comfort,  is  so  attrac- 
tive to  the  eye  of  every  beholder,  will  not  only  become 
sources  of  the  purest  enjoyment  to  the  refined  minds  of  the 
possessors,  but  will  exert  an  influence  for  the  improvement 
in  taste  of  every  class  in  our  community.  The  ambition  to 
build  "  shingle  palaces''  in  starved  and  meagre  grounds,  we 
are  glad  to  see  giving  way  to  that  more  refined  feeling  which 
prefers  a  neat  villa  or  cottage,  tastily  constructed,  and  sur- 
rotmded  by  its  proper  accessories,  of  greater  or  less  extent, 
of  verdant  trees  and  beautiful  shrubbery. 

It  is  gratifying  to  see  the  progressive  improvement  in  Ru- 
ral Architecture,  which  within  a  few  years  past,  has  evinced 
itself  in  various  parts  of  the  country,  and  particularly  on  the 
banks  of  the  Hudson  and  Connecticut  Rivers,  as  well  as  in 
the  suburbs  of  our  larger  cities.     Here  and  there,  beautiful 


Fig.  57.     Cott>aij;e  Kcs 


ias  W.  Luillow,  E.sq    nnar  Tonkers,  N  Y 


Fig   58      Kesidence  of  Wasbington  Irviug.  Esq.  ufear  TarryLcwn,  K    Y 


RURAL    ARCHITECTURE.  379 

villas  and  cottages  in  the  Italian,  or  old  English  styles,  are 
being  erected  by  proprietors  who  feel  the  pre-eminent  beauty 
of  these  modes  for  domestic  architecture.  And  from  the 
rapidity  with  which  improvements  having  just  claims  for 
public  favour  advance  in  our  community,  we  have  every 
reason  to  hope  that  our  Rural  Architecture  will  soon  exhibit 
itself  in  a  more  attractive  and  agreeable  form  than  it  has 
hitherto  generally  assumed.  We  take  pleasure  in  referring 
to  a  few  of  these  buildings  more  in  detail. 

The  cottage  of  Thomas  W.  Ludlow,  Esq.,  near  Yonkers, 
on  the  Hudson,  (Pig.  57,)  is  one  of  the  most  complete 
examples  on  this  river.  The  interior  is  very  carefully  and 
harmoniously  finished,  the  apartments  are  agreeably 
arranged,  and  the  general  elfect  of  the  exterior  is  varied 
and  pleasing. 

There  is  scarcely  a  building  or  place  more  replete  with 
interest  in  America,  than  the  cottage  of  Washington  Irving, 
near  Tarrytown,  (Fig.  58.)  The  "  Legend  of  Sleepy  Hollow," 
so  delightfully  told  in  the  Sketch-Book,  has  made  every 
one  acquainted  with  this  neighbourhood,  and  especially  with 
the  site  of  the  present  building,  there  celebrated  as  the  "  Van 
Tassel  House,"  one  of  the  most  secluded  and  delightful  nooks 
on  the  banks  of  the  Hudson.  With  characteristic  taste, -Mr. 
Irving  has  chosen  this  spot,  the  haunt  of  his  early  days,  since 
rendered  classic  ground  by  his  elegant  pen,  and  made  it  his 
permanent  residence.  The  house  of  "Baltus  Yan  Tassel," 
has  been  altered  and  rebuilt  in  a  quaint  style,  partaking  some- 
what of  the  English  cottage  mode,  but  retaining  strongly 
marked  symptoms  of  its  Dutch  origin.  The  quaint  old 
weathercocks  and  finials,  the  crow-stepped  gables,  and  the 
hall  paved  with  Dutch  tiles,  are  among  the  ancient  and 
venerable  ornaments  of  the  houses  of  the  original  settlers  of 


380  LANDSCAPE  GARDENING. 

Manhattan,  now  almost  extinct  among  us.  There  is  also  a 
quiet  keeping  in  the  cottage  and  the  grounds  around  it,  that 
assists  in  making  up  the  charm  of  the  whole ;  the  gently- 
swelling  slope  reaching  down  to  the  water's  edge,  bordered 
by  prettily  wooded  ravines  through  which  a  brook  meanders 
pleasantly ;  and  threaded  by  foot-paths  ingeniously  contrived, 
so  as  sometimes  to  afford  secluded  walks,  and  at  others  to 
allow  fine  vistas  of  the  broad  expanse  of  river  scenery. 
The  cottage  itself  is  now  charmingly  covered  with  ivy  and 
climbing  roses,  and  embosomed  in  thickets  of  shrubbery. 

Mr.  Sheldon's  residence,  (Fig.  59,)  in  the  same  neighbour- 
hood, furnishes  us  with  another  example  of  the  Rural  Gothic 
mode,  worth  the  study  of  the  amateur.  Captain  Perry's  spi- 
rited cottage,  near  Sing  Sing,  partakes  of  the  same  features ; 
and  we  might  add  numerous  other  cottages  now  building,  or 
in  contemplation,  which  show  how  fast  the  feeling  for  some- 
thing more  expressive  and  picturesque  is  making  progress 
among  us. 

Mr.  Warren's  residence  at  Troy,  N.  Y.,  (Fig.  60,)  is  a  very 
pretty  example  of  the  English  cottage,  elegantly  finished 
internally  as  well  as  externally.  A  situation  in  a  valley, 
embosomed  with  luxuriant  trees  would  have  given  this  build- 
ing a  more  appropriate  and  charming  air  than  its  present 
one,  which,  however,  affords  a  magnificent  prospect  of  the 
surrounding  country. 

It  is  the  common  practice  here  to  place  a  portion  of  what 
are  called  the  domestic  offices,  as  the  kitchen,  pantries,  etc., 
in  the  basement  story  of  the  house,  directly  beneath  the  liv- 
ing rooms.  This  has  partly  arisen  from  the  circumstance  of 
the  comparative  economy  of  this  method  of  constructing 
them  under  the  same  roof ;  and  partly  from  the  difiiculty  of 
adding  wings  to  the  main  building  for  those  purposes,  which 


Fig.  59.     Residence  of  H.  Sheldon,  Esq.  near  T.irrytown. 


Fig,  60.     Mr.  YTarven's  Cottage,  near  Troj,  N. 


RURAL    ARCHITECTURE.  381 

will  not  mar  the  simplicity  and  elegance  of  a  Grecian 
villa.  In  the  better  class  of  houses  in  England,  the  domestic 
offices,  which  include  the  kitchen  and  its  appurtenances,  and 
also  the  stable,  coach-house,  harness-room,  etc.  are,  in  the 
majority  of  cases,  attached  to  the  main  body  of  the  building 
"on  one  side.  The  great  advantage  of  having  all  these  con- 
veniences on  the  same  floor  with  the  principal  rooms,  and 
communicating  in  such  a  way  as  to  be  easily  accessible  at 
all  times  without  going  into  the  open  air,  is  undeniable.  It 
must  also  be  admitted  that  these  domestic  offices,  extend- 
ing out  from  the  main  building,  partly  visible  and  partly 
concealed  by  trees  and  foliage,  add  much  to  the  extent 
and  importance  of  a  villa  or  mansion  in  the  country.  In 
the  old  English  style  these  appendages  are  made  to  unite 
happily  with  the  building,  which  is  in  itself  irregular.  Pic- 
turesque effect  is  certainly  increased  by  thus  extending  the 
pile  and  increasing  the  variety  of  its  outline. 

A  blind  partiaHty  for  any  one  style  in  building  is  detri- 
mental to  the  progress  of  improvement,  both  in  taste  and 
comfort.  The  variety  of  means,  habits,  and  local  feelings, 
will  naturally  cause  many  widely  different  tastes  to  arise 
among  us  ;  and  it  is  only  by  the  means  of  a  number  of 
distinct  styles,  that  this  diversity  of  tastes  can  be  accom- 
modated. There  will  always  be  a  large  class  of  individuals 
in  every  country  who  prefer  a  plain  square  house  because 
it  is  more  economical,  and  because  they  have  little  feeling 
for  architectural,  or,  indeed,  any  other  species  of  beauty. 
But  beside  such,  there  will  always  be  found  some  men  of 
finer  natures,  who  have  a  sympathetic  appreciation  of  the 
beautiful  in  nature  and  art.  Among  these,  the  classical 
scholar  and  gentleman,  may,  from  association  and  the  love 
of  antiquity,  prefer  a  villa  in  the  Grecian  or  Roman  style. 


382  LANDSCAPE  GARDENING, 

He  who  has  a  passionate  love  of  pictures  and  especially  fine 
landscapes,  will  perhaps,  very'  naturally,  prefer  the  modern 
Italian  style  for  a  country  residence.  The  wealthy  pro- 
prietor, either  from  the  romantic  and  chivalrous  associations 
connected  with  the  baronial  castle,  or  from  desire  to  display 
his  own  resources,  may  indulge  his  fancy  in  erecting  a 
castellated  dwelling.  The  gentleman  who  wishes  to  realize 
the  heau  ideal  of  genuine  old  English  country  residence, 
with  its  various  internal  comforts,  and  its  spirited  exterior, 
may  establish  himself  in  a  Tudor  villa  or  mansion ;  and  the 
lover  of  nature  and  rural  life,  who,  with  more  limited  means, 
takes  equal  interest  in  the  beauty  of  his  grounds  or  garden, 
(however  small,)  and  his  house — who  is  both  an  admirer  of 
that  kind  of  beauty  called  the  picturesque,  and  has  a  lively 
perception  of  the  effect  of  a  happy  adaptation  of  buildings 
to  the  landscape, — such  a  person  will  very  naturally  make 
choice  of  the  rural  cottage  style. 


Entrance  Lodges  arc  not  only  handsome  architectural 
objects  in  the  scenery  of  country  residences  of  large  size,  but 
are  in  many  cases  exceedingly  convenient,  both  to  the  family 
and  the  guests  or  visitors  having  frequent  ingress  and  egress. 
The  entrance  lodge  may  further  be  considered  a  matter 
strictly  useful,  in  serving  as  the  dwelling  of  the  gardener  or 
farmer  and  his  family.  In  this  point  of  view,  arrangements 
for  the  comfort  and  convenience  of  the  inmates  should  be 
regarded  as  more  important  than  the  fanciful  decoration  of 
the  exterior — as  no  exterior,  however  charming,  can,  to  a 
reflective  and  well  regulated  mind,  apologize  for  contracted 
apartments,  and  imperfect  light  and  ventilation,  in  human 
habitations. 


RURAL     ARCHITECTURE.  383 

Among  the  numerous  entrance  lodges  which  we  remember 
to  have  seen  in  the  United  States,  we  scarcely  recall  a  single 
example  where  the  means,  or  rather  the  facility,  of  opening 
and  shutting  the  gate  itself,  has  been  sufficiently  considered; 
Most  generally  the  lodge  is  at  too  great  a  distance  from  the 
gate,  consuming  too  much  time  in  attendance,  and  exposing 
the  persons  attending,  generally  women  or  children,  to  the 
inclemencies  of  the  weather.  Besides  this,  serrice  of  this 
kind  is  less  cheerfully  performed  in  this  country  than  in 
Europe,  from  the  very  simple  reason  of  the  greater  equality 
of  conditions  here,  and  therefore  every  thing  which  tends  to 
lessen  labour,  is  worthy  of  being  taken  into  account. 

For  these  reasons  we  would  place  the  gate  very  near  the 
lodge  ;  it  would  be  preferable  if  it  were  part  of  the  same 
architectural  composition  :  and  if  possible  adopt  the  contri- 
vance now  in  use  at  some  places  abroad,  by  which  the  gate, 
being  hung  nearest  the  building,  may  be  opened  by  the 
occupant  without  the  latter  being  seen,  or  being  scarcely 
obliged  to  leave  his  or  her  employment.*  This  is  certainly 
the  ultimatum  of  improvements  in  gate  lodges;  and  where  it 
cannot  be  attained,  something  may  still  be  done  towards 
amelioration,  by  placing  the  gate  within  a  convenient  dis- 
tance, instead  of  half  a  dozen  rods  apart  from  the  lodge,  as 
is  frequently  done. 

*  In  Fig.  61,  is  shown  the  section  of  a  gate  arranged  upon  this  plan.  At  the 
bottom  of  the  hanging  post  of  the  gate,  is  a  bevelled  iron  pinion,  that  works  intO' 
another  pinion,  6,  at  the  end  of  the  horizontal  shaft,  o, — which  shaft  is  fixed  in  a 
square  box  or  tunnel  under  the  road.  The  part  to  the  right  of  the  partition  line,/, 
is  the  interior  of  the  gate-keeper's  house;  and  by  turning  the  winch,  e,  the- 
upright  shaft,  c,  is  put  in  motion,  which  moves,  by  means  of  the  bevelled  pinions, 
g,  d,  the  shaft,  a,  and  therefore,  through  d,  the  back  post  of  the  gate,  which  is 
opened  and  shut  by  the  motion  of  the  winch,  without  obliging  the  inmates  to 
leave  the  house. 


384 


LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 


That  the  entrance  lodge  should  correspond  in  style  with 
the  mansion,  is  a  maxim  insisted  upon  by  all  writers  on 
Rural  Architecture.  Where  the  latter  is  built  in  a  mixed 
style,  there  is  more  latitude  allowed  in  the  choice  of  forms 
for  the  lodge,  which  may  be  considered  more  as  a  thing  by 
itself.  But  where  the  dwelling  is  a  strictly  architectural 
composition,  the  lodge  should  correspond  in  style,  and  bear 
evidence  of  emanating  from  the  same  mind.  A  variation  of 
the  same  style  may  be  adopted  with  pleasing  effect,  as  a  lodge 


[Fig.  61.      rian  for  opening  the  gate  from  the  iutcrior  of  the  Lodge.] 


in  the  form  of  the  old  English  cottage  for  a  castellated  man- 
sion, or  a  Doric  lodge  for  a  Corinthian  villa  ;  but  never  two 
distinct  styles  on  the  same  place,  (a  Gothic  gate-house  and  a 
Grecian  residence,)  without  producing  in  minds  imbued  with 
correct  principles,  a  feeling  of  incongruity.  A  certain  cor- 
respondence in  size  is  also  agreeable  ;  where  the  dwelling  of 
the  proprietor  is  simply  an  ornamental  cottage,  the  lodge,  if 
introduced,  should  be  more  simple  and  unostentatious  ;  and 
even  where  the  house  is  magnificent,  the  lodge  should  rather 
be  below  the  general  air  of  the  residence  than  above  it,  that 
the  stranger  who  enters  at  a  showy  and  striking  lodge  may 
not  be  disappointed  in  the  want  of  correspondence  between  it 
and  the  remaining  portions  of  the  demesne. 


RURAL    ARCHITECTURE. 


385 


[Fig.  62.    The  New  Gate  Lodge  at  Blithcwood.] 


The  gate-lodge  at  Blithewood,  on  the  Hudson,  the  seat  of 
R.  Donaldson,  Esq.,  is  a  shnple  and  effective  cottage  in  the 
bracketed  style— octagonal  in  its  form,  and  very  compactly 
arranged  internally. 

Nearly  all  the  fine  seats  on  the  North  river  have  entrance 
lodges— often  simple  and  but  little  ornamented,  or  only 
pleasingly  embowered  in  foliage  ;  but,  occasionally,  highly 
picturesque  and  striking  in  appearance. 

^    '^  A  view   of  the   pretty 

gate  lodge  at  Netherwood, 
Dutchess  County,  N.  Y., 
the  seat  of  James  Lenox, 
Esq.,  is  shown  in  Fig.  63. 
Half  a  mile  north  of  this 
seat    is     an     interesting 

[Fig.  63.    The  Gate  Lodge  at  Netherwood.]  lodgC     IR  thC     SwlsS    Stylc, 

at  the  entrance  to  the  residence  of  Mrs.  Sheafe. 

In  Fig.  64,  is  shown  an  elevation  of  a  lodge  in  the  Italian 
style,  with  projecting  eaves  supported  by  cantileavers  or 

49 


386  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

brackets,  round-headed  windows  with  balconies,  character- 
istic porch,  and  other  leading  features  of  this  style. 


[Fig.    64.    Gate  Lodgo  ia  tho  Italian  etjrle.] 

Mr.  Repton  has  stated  it  as  a  principle  in  the  composition 
of  residences,  that  neither  the  house  should  be  visible  from 
the  entrance,  nor  the  entrance  from  the  house,  if  there  be 
sufficient  distance  between  them  to  make  the  approach 
through  varied  grounds,  or  a  park,  and  not  immediately  into 
a  court-yard. 

Entrance  lodges,  and  indeed,  all  small  ornamental  build- 
ings should  be  supported,  and  partially  concealed,  by  trees 
and  foliage  ;  naked  walls,  in  the  comitry,  hardly  admitting 
of  an  apology  in  any  case,  but  especially  when  the  building 
is  ornamental,  and  should  be  considered  part  of  a  whole, 
grouping  with  other  objects  in  rural  landscape. 


Note. — To  readers  who  desire  to  cultivate  a  taste  for  .rural  architecture,  we 
take  pleasure  in  recommending  the  following  productio  a  of  the  English  press. 
Loudon's  Encyclopedia  of  Cottage,  Farm,  and  Villa  Architecture,  a  volume  replete 
with  information  on  every  branch  of  the  subject ;  Robinson's  Rural  Architecture, 
and  Designs  for  Ornamental  Villas  ;  Lugar's  Villa  Architecture ;  Goodwin's 
Rural  Architecture ;  Hunt's  Picturesque  Domestic  Architecture,  and  Examples  of 


RURAL    ARCHITECTURE. 


387 


Tudor  Arcldtecture :  Pugin's  Examples  of  Gothic  Architecture,  etc.  The  most 
successful  American  architects  in  this  branch  of  the  art,  with  whom  we  are 
acquainted,  are  Alexander  J.  Davis,  Esq.,  of  New-York,  and  John  Notman,  Esq., 
of  Philadelphia. 


[Fig.  65.    The  Oardener'9  House,  BUlhewood.] 


388 


LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 


SECTION  X. 


EMBELLISHMENTS  ;  ARCHITECTURAL,  RUSTIC  AND  FLORAL. 

Value  of  a  proper  connection  between  the  house  and  grounds.  Beauty  of  the  architectural 
terrace,  and  its  application  to  villas  ami  cottages.  Use  of  vases  of  different  descriptions. 
Sun-dials.  Architectural  flower-garden.  Irregular  flower-garden.  French  flower-garden. 
English  flower-garden.  General  rcmiirks  on  this  subject.  Selection  of  showy  plants, 
flowering  in  succession.  Arrangement  of  the  shrubbery,  and  selection  of  choice  shrubs. 
The  conservatory  or  green-house.  Open  and  covered  seats.  Pavilions.  Rustic  scats. 
Prospect  tower.  Bridges.  Rockwork.  Fountains  of  various  descriptions.  Judicious 
introduction  of  decorations. 


Nature,  assuming  a  more  lovely  face 
Borrowing  a  beauty  from  the  works  of  grace. 

COWPER. 

Each  odorous  bushy  shrub 


Fenced  up  the  verdant  wall ;  each  beauteous  flower ; 

Iris  all  Hues,  Roses  and  Jessamine 

Rear'd  liigh  their  flourished  heads  between, 

And  v^Tought  Mosaic. 

Milton. 


N  our  finest  places,  or  those 
country  seats  where  much  of 
the  polish  of  pleasure  ground 
or  park  scenery  is  kept  up,  one  of  the  most  striking  defects, 
is  the  want  of  "  union  between  the  house  mid  the  grounds^ 
We  are  well  aware  that  from  the  comparative  rarity  of  any 


EMBELLISHMENTS.  389 

thing  like  a  highly  kept  place  in  this  country,  the  want  of  this, 
which  is  indeed  like  the  last  finish  to  the  residence,  is  scarce- 
ly felt  at  all.  But  this  only  proves  the  infant  state  of  Land- 
scape Gardening  here,  and  the  little  attention  that  has  been 
paid  to  the  highest  details  of  the  art. 

If  our  readers  will  imagine,  with  us,  a  pretty  villa,  con- 
veniently arranged  and  well  constructed,  in  short,  complete 
in  itself  as  regards  its  architecture,  and  at  the  same  time, 
properly  placed  in  a  smooth  well  kept  lawn,  studded  with 
groups,  and  masses  of  fine  trees,  they  will  have  an  example  of- 
ten to  be  met  with,  of  a  fine  place,  in  the  graceful  school  of 
design,  about  which,  however,  there  is  felt  to  be  a  certain 
incongruity  between  the  house,  a  highly  artificial  object,  and 
the  surromiding  grounds,  where  the  prevailing  expression  in 
the  latter  is  that  of  beautiful  nature. 

Let  us  suppose,  for  further  illustration,  the  same  house 
and  grounds  with  a  few  additions.  The  house  now  rising 
directly  out  of  the  green  turf  which  encompasses  it,  we  will 
surround  by  a  raised  platform  or  terrace,  wide  enough  for  a 
dry,  firm  walk,  at  all  seasons  ;  on  the  top  of  the  wall  or  bor- 
der of  this  terrace,  we  will  form  a  handsome  parapet,  or 
balustrade,  some  two  or  three  feet  high,  the  details  of  which 
shall  be  in  good  keeping  with  the  house,  whether  Grecian 
or  Gothic.  On  the  coping  of  this  parapet,  if  the  house  is  in 
the  classical  style,  we  will  find  suitable  places,  at  proper  mter- 
vals,  for  some  handsome  urns,  vases,  etc.  On  the  drawing- 
room  side  of  the  house,  that  is,  the  side  toward  which  the 
best  room  or  rooms  look,  we  will  place  the  flower-garden, 
into  which  we  descend  from  the  terrace  by  a  few  steps. 
This  flower-garden  may  be  simply  what  its  name  denotes, 
a  place  exclusively  devoted  to  the  cultivation  of  flowers,  or 
(if  the  house  is  not  in  a  veiy  plain  style,  admitting  of  little 


390  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

enrichment,)  it  may  be  an  architectural  flower-garden.  In 
the  latter  case,  intermingled  with  the  flowers,  are  to  be  seen 
vases,  fountains,  and  sometimes  even  statues  ;  the  eflect  of 
the  fine  colours  and  deep  foliage  of  the  former,  heightened 
by  contrast  with  the  sculptured  forms  of  the  latter. 

If  our  readers  will  now  step  back  a  few  rods  with  us  and 
take  a  second  view  of  our  villa  residence,  with  its  supposed 
harmonizing  accessories,  we  think  they  can  hardly  fail  to  be 
impressed  at  once,  with  the  great  improvement  of  the  whole. 
The  eye  now,  instead  of  witnessing  the  sudden  termination  of 
the  architecture  at  the  base  of  the  house,  where  the  lawn 
commences  as  suddenly,  will  be  at  once  struck  with  the  in- 
creased variety  and  richness  imparted  to  the  whole  scene,  by 
the  addition  of  the  architectural  and  garden  decorations. 
The  mind  is  led  gradually  down  from  the  house,  with  its 
projecting  porch  or  piazzas,  to  the  surrounding  terrace  crown- 
ed with  its  beautiful  vases,  and  from  thence  to  the  architec- 
tural flower-garden,  interspersed  with  similar  ornaments. 
The  various  play  of  light  afibrded  by  these  sculptured  forms 
on  the  terrace ;  the  projections  and  recesses  of  the  parapet, 
with  here  and  there,  some  climbing  plants  luxuriantly  en- 
wreathing  it,  throwing  out  the  mural  objects  in  stronger  re- 
lief, and  connecting  them  pleasantly  with  the  verdure  of  the 
turf  beneath  ;  the  still  farther  rambling  of"  of  vases,  etc., 
into  the  brilliant  flower-garden,  which,  through  these  orna- 
ments, maintains  an  avowed  connection  with  the  architec- 
ture of  the  house ;  all  this,  we  think  it  cannot  be  denied, 
forms  a  rich  setting  to  the  architecture,  and  unites  agreeably 
the  forms  of  surrounding  nature  with  the  more  regular  and 
uniform  outlines  of  the  building. 

The  effect,  will  not  be  less  pleasing  if  viewed  from 
another  point  of  view,  viz :  the  terrace,  or  from  the  apart- 


EMBELLISHMENTS.  391 

ments  of  the  house  itself.  From  either  of  these  points,  the 
various  objects  enumerated,  will  form  a  rich  foreground  to 
the  pleasure-grounds  or  park — a  matter  which  painters  well 
know  how  to  estimate,  as  a  landscape  is  incomplete  and  un- 
satisfactory to  them,  however  beautiful  the  middle  or  distant 
points,  unless  there  are  some  strongly  marked  objects  in  the 
foreground.  In  fine,  the  intervention  of  these  elegant 
accompaniments  to  our  houses  prevents  us,  as  Mr.  Hope  has 
observed,  "from  launching  at  once  from  the  threshold  of  the 
symmetric  mansion,  in  the  most  abrupt  manner,  into  a 
scene  ■'ft^holly  composed  of  the  most  unsymmetric  and  de- 
sultory forms  of  mere  nature,  which  are  totally  out  of  cha- 
racter with  the  mansion,  whatever  may  be  its  style  of  archi- 
tecture and  furnishing."* 

The  highly  decorated  terrace,  as  we  have  here  supposed 
it,  would,  it  is  evident,  be  in  unison  with  villas  of  a  some- 
what superior  style  ;  or,  in  other  words,  the  amount  of  en- 
richment bestowed  on  exterior  decoration  near  the  house, 
should  correspond  to  the  style  of  art  evinced  in  the  exterior 
of  the  mansion  itself.  An  humble  cottage  with  sculptured 
vases  on  its  terrace  and  parapet,  would  be  in  bad  taste ;  but 
any  Grecian,  Roman,  or  Italian  villa,  where  a  moderate  de- 
gree of  exterior  ornament  is  visible,  or  a  Gothic  villa  of  the 
better  class,  will  allow  the  additional  enrichment  of  the  ar- 
chitectural terrace  and  its  ornaments.  Indeed  the  terrace 
itself,  in  so  far  as  it  denotes  a  raised  dry  platform  around 
the  house,  is  a  suitable  and  appropriate  appendage  to  every 
dwelling,  of  whatever  class. 

The  width  of  a  terrace  around  a  house,  may  vary  from 
five  to  twenty  feet,  or  more,  in  proportion  as  the  building  is 

*  Essay  on  Ornamental  Gardening,  by  Thomas  Hope. 


392  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

of  greater  or  less  importance.  The  surrounding  wall,  which 
supports  its  level,  may  also  vary  from  one  to  eight  feet.  The 
terrace,  in  the  better  class  of  English  residences,  is  paved  with 
smooth  flag  stones,  or  in  place  of  this,  a  surface  of  firm  well- 
rolled  gravel  is  substituted.  In  residences  where  a  parapet  or 
balustrade  would  be  thought  too  expensive,  a  square  stone  or 
plinth  is  placed  at  the  angles  or  four  corners  of  the  terrace, 
which  serves  as  the  pedestal  for  a  vase  or  urn.  When  a 
more  elegant  and  finished  appearance  is  desirable,  the  parapet 
formed  of  open  work  of  stone,  or  wood  painted  in  imitation 
of  stone,  rises  above  the  level  of  the  terrace  two  or  three  feet 
with  a  suitably  bold  coping.  On  this,  vases  may  be  placed, 
not  only  at  the  corners,  but  at  regular  intervals  of  ten,  twen- 
ty, or  more  feet.  We  have  alluded  to  the  good  effect  of 
climbers,  here  and  there  planted,  and  suffered  to  intermingle 
their  rich  foliage  with  the  open  work  of  the  parapet  and  its 
crowning  ornaments.  In  the  climate  of  Philadelphia,  the 
Giant  Ivy,  with  its  thick  sculpturesque  looking  masses  of 
foliage,  would  be  admirably  suited  to  this  purpose.  Or  the 
Virginia  Creeper,  (the  Ivy  of  America,)  may  take  its  place  in 
any  other  portion  of  the  Union.  To  these  we  may  add,  the 
Chinese  twining  Honeysuckle,  (Lonicera  flexuosa,)  and  the 
Sweet-scented  Clematis,  both  deliciously  fragrant  in  their 
blossoms, — ^with  many  other  fine  climbers  which  will  readily 
recur  to  the  amateur. 

There  can  be  no  reason  why  the  smallest  cottage,  if  its  oc- 
cupant be  a  person  of  taste,  should  not  have  a  terrace  decora- 
ted in  a  suitable  manner.  This  is  easily  and  cheaply  effected 
by  placing  neat  flower-pots  on  the  parapet,  or  border  and 
angles  of  the  terrace,  with  suitable  plants  growing  in  them. 
For  this  purpose,  the  American  or  Century  Aloe,  a  formal 
architectural-looking  plant,  is  exceedingly  well  adapted,  as  it 


EMBELLISHMENTS.  393 

always  preserves  nearly  the  same  appearance.     Or 

in  place  of  this,  the  Yuccas,  or  "  Adam^s  needle, 

and  thread,^''  which  have  something  of  the  same 

Jfif  character,  while  they  also  produce  beautiful  heads 

\^  J •    of  flowers,  may  be  chosen.      Yiccca  Jlaccida  is  a. 

[Fig.  66.]       gj^g  hardy  species,  which  would  look  well  in 
such  a  situation.     An  aloe  in  a  common  flower 
pot  is  shown  in  Fig.  66 ;  and  a  Yucca  in  an 
ornamental  flower-pot  in  Fig.  67. 

Where  there  is  a  terrace  ornamented  with 
urns  or  vases,  and  the  proprietor  wishes  to  ""^^^^^ 
give  a  corresponding  air  of  elegance  to  his  grounds,  vases, 
sundials,  etc.,  may  be  placed  in  various  appropriate  situa- 
tions, not  only  in  the  architectural  flower-garden,  but  on 
the  lawn,  and  through  the  pleasure-grounds  in  various 
different  points,  iiear  the  house.  We  say  near  the  house, 
1  ecause  we  think  so  highly  artificial  and  architectural  an 
object  as  a  sculptured  vase,  is  never  correctly  introduced 
unless  it  appear  in  some  way  connected  with  build- 
ings, or  objects  of  a  like  architectural  character.  To 
place  a  beautiful  vase  in  a  distant  part  of  the  grounds, 
where  there  is  no  direct  allusion  to  art,  and  where  it  is  ac- 
companied only  by  natural  objects,  as  the  overhanging  trees 
and  the  sloping  turf,  is  in  a  measure  doing  violence  to  our 
reason,  or  taste,  by  bringing  two  objects  so  strongly  contrast- 
ed, in  direct  union.  But  when  we  see  a  statue  or  a  vase 
placed  in  any  part  of  the  grounds  where  a  near  view  is  ob- 
tained of  the  house,  (audits  accompanying  statues  or  vases,) 
the  whole  is  accounted  for,  and  we  feel  the  distant  vase,  to 
be  only  a  part  of,  or  rather  a  repetition  of  the  same  idea, — 
in  other  words,  that  it  forms  part  of  a  whole,  harmonious  and 
consistent. 

50 


394  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

Vases  of  real  stone,  as  marble  or  granite,  are  decorations 
of  too  costly  a  kind  ever  to  come  into  general  use  among  us. 
Vases,  however,  of  equally  beautiful  forms,  are  manufactured 
of  artificial  stone,  of  fine  pottery,  or  of  cast  iron,  which  have 
the  same  effect,  and  are  of  nearly  equal  durability,  as  garden 
decorations. 

A  vase  should  never,  in  the  open  air,  be  set  down  upon 
the  ground  or  grass,  without  being  placed  upon  a  firm  base  of 
some  description,  either  a  pli7ith  or  a  pedestal.  Without  a 
base  of  this  kind,  it  has  a  temporary  look,  as  if  it  had  been  left 
there  by  mere  accident,  and  without  any  intention  of  per- 
manence. Placing  it  upon  a  pedestal,  or  square  plinth,  (block 
of  stone,)  gives  it  a  character  of  art,  at  once  more  dignified 
and  expressive  of  stability.  Besides  this,  the  pedestal  in 
reality  serves  to  preserve  the  vase  in  a  perpendicular  posi- 
tion, as  well  as  to  expose  it  fairly  to  the  eye,  which  could 
not  be  the  case  were  it  put  down,  without  any  preparation, 
on  the  bare  turf  or  gravel. 

Figure  68,  is  a  Gothic,  and  Figures  69,  70,  are  Gre- 
cian vases,  commonly  manufactured  in  plaster  in  our 
cities,  but  which  are  also  made  of  Roman  cement. 
They  are  here  shown  upon  suitable  pedestals — a 
being  the  vase,  and  b  the  pedestal.  These  with 
many  other  elegant  vases  and  urns  are  manufactured 
in  an  artificial  stone,  as  durable  as  marble,  by  Austin 
[F's-  C8.J  ^£  London,  and  together  with  a  great  variety  of  other 
beautiful  sculpturesque  decorations,  may  be  imported  at  very 
reasonable  prices. 

Figures  69,  70,  are  beautiful  vases  of  pottery  ware  manu- 
factured by  Peake,  of  Staffordshire — and  which  may  be  im- 
ported cheaply,  or  will  be  made  to  order  at  the  Salamander 
works,  in  New- York.    These  vases,  when  coloured,  to  imitate 


EMBELLISHMENTS. 


395 


Ai^:^-i-MM^A-AUkMMjii^  iiiarble  or  other  stone,  are  extremely  dura- 
ble and  very  ornamental.  As  yet,  we  are 
unable  to  refer  our  readers  to  any  manu- 
factory here,  where  these  articles  are  made 
in  a  manner  fully  equal  to  the  English ;  but 
we  are  satisfied,  it  is  only  necessary  that 
the  taste  for  such  articles  should  increase, 
and  the  consequent  demand,  to  induce  our 
artisans  to  produce  them  of  equal  beauty, 
and  of  greater  cheapness. 

Donaldson,   Esq.,  on  the 


[Fig.  69.] 

At  Blithewood,  the  seat  of  R 
Hudson,  a  number  of  exquisite  vases  may  ^i,mi!^ii^mii'o&-^%^ 
be  seen  in  the  pleasure-grounds,  which  are 
cut  in  Maltese  stone.  These  were  imported 
by  the  proprietor,  direct  from  Malta,  at  very 
moderate  rates,  and  are  not  only  ornamen- 
tal, but  very  durable.  Their  colour  is  a 
warm  shade  of  gray  which  harmonizes 
agreeably  with  the  surrounding  vegeta- 
tion. 

Large  vases  are  sometimes  filled  with 
earth  and  planted  with  choice  flowering  plants,  and  the  ef- 
fect of  the  blossoms  and  green  leaves  growing  out 
of  these  handsome  receptacles,  is  at  least  unique 
and  striking.  Loudon  objects  to  it  in  the  case 
of  an  elegant  sculptured  vase  "  because  it  is  re- 
ducing a  work  of  art  to  the  level  of  a  mere  garden 
flower-pot,  and  dividing  the  attention  between 
[Fig.  71.]  the  beauty  of  the  form  of  the  vase,  and  of  its 
sculptured  ornaments,  and  that  of  the  plant  which  it  con- 
tains."    This  criticism  is  a  just  one  in  its  general  applica- 


396 


LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 


tion,  especially  when  vases  are  considered  as 
architectural  decorations.  Occasional  devi- 
ations, however,  may  be  permitted,  for  the 
sake  of  producing  variety,  especially  in  the 
case  of  vases  used  as  decorations  in  the 
flower-garden. 

A  very  pretty  and  fanciful  substitute  for  the 
sculptured  vase,  and  which  may  take  its  place 
in  the  picturesque  school,  may  be  found  in 
vases  or  baskets  of  rustic  work,  constructed  of         t* 's-  ■'2.] 

the  branches  and  sections  of  trees  with 
the  bark  attached.  Figure  73  is  a  rep- 
resentation of  a  pleasing  rustic  vase  which 
we  have  constructed  without  difficulty. 
A  tripod  of  branches  of  trees  forms  the 
pedestal.  An  octagonal  box  serves  as  the 
body  or  frame  of  the  vase  ;  on  this,  pieces 
[Fig.  7o.]  of  birch  and  hazel,  (small  split  limbs  co- 

vered with  the  bark,)  are  nailed  closely,  so  as  to  fonn  a  sort 
of  mosaic  covering  to  the  whole  exterior.  Ornaments  of  this 
kind,  which  may  be  made  by  the  amateur  with  the  assist- 
ance of  a  common  carpenter,  are  very  suitable  for  the  decora- 
tion of  the  grounds  and  flower-gardens  of  cottages  or  pictu- 
resque villas.  An  endless  variety  of  forms  will  occur  to  an 
ingenious  artist  in  rustic  work,  which  he  may  call  in  to 
the  embellishment  of  rural  scenes,  without  taxing  his  purse 
heavily. 

Sundials,  (Fig.  74,)  are  among  the  oldest  decorations  for 
the  garden  and  grounds,  and  there  are  scarcely  any  which 


EMBELLISHMENTS.  397 

we  think  more  suitable.     They  are  not  merely 
decorative,  but  have  also  an  useful  character,  and 
may  therefore  be  occasionally  placed  in  distant 
parts  of  the  grounds,  should  a  favourite  walk  ter- 
minate there.     When  we  meet  daily  in  our  walks 
for  a  number  of  years,  with  one  of  these  silent 
monitors  of  the  flight  of  time,  we  become  in  a 
degree  attached  to  it,  and  really  look  upon  it 
^    as  gifted  with  a  species  of  intelligence,  beam- 
^^   ing  out  when  the  sunbeams  smile  upon  its  dial- 
[Fig.  74.]      plate. 

The  Architectural  Flower-garden,  as  we  have  just  re- 
marked, has  generally  a  direct  connection  with  the  house,  at 
least  on  one  side  by  the  terrace.  It  may  be  of  greater  or 
less  size,  from  twenty  feet  square,  to  half  an  acre  in  extent. 
The  leading  characteristics  of  this  species  of  flower-garden, 
are  the  regular  lines  and  forms  employed  in  its  beds  and 
walks.  The  flowers  are  generally  planted  in  beds  in  the 
form  of  circles,  octagons,  squares,  etc.,  the  centre  of  the  gar- 
den being  occupied  by  an  elegant  vase,  a  sundial,  or  that  still 
finer  ornament,  a  fountain,  or  jet  (Peau.  In  various  parts  of 
the  garden,  along  the  principal  walks,  or  in  the  centre  of 
parterres,  pedestals  supporting  vases,  urns,  or  handsome 
flower-pots  with  plants,  are  placed.  When  a  highly  marked 
character  of  art  is  intended,  a  balustrade  or  parapet,  resem- 
bling that  of  the  terrace  to  which  it  is  connected,  is  con- 
tinued round  the  whole  of  this  garden.  Or  in  other  cases  the 
garden  is  surrounded  by  a  thicket  of  shrubs  and  low  trees, 
partly  concealing  it  from  the  eye  on  all  sides  but  one. 

It  is  evident  that  the  architectural  flower  garden  is  supe- 
rior to  the  general  flower-garden,  as  an  aj^pendage  to  the 
house,  on  two  accounts.     First,  because,  as  we  have  already 


398 


LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 


shown,  it  serves  an  admirable  purpose  in  effecting  a  harmo- 
nious union  between  the  house  and  the  grounds.  And 
secondly,  because  we  have  both  the  rich  verdure  and  gay  blos- 
soms of  the  flowering  plants,  and  the  more  permanent  beauty 
of  sculptured  forms  ;  the  latter  heightening  the  eSect  of  the 
former  by  contrast,  as  well  as  by  the  relief  they  aflbrd  the  eye 
in  masses  of  light,  amid  surrounding  verdure. 

There  are  several  varieties  of  general  flower-gardens,  which 
may  be  formed  near  the  house.  Among  these  we  will  only 
notice  the  irregular  flower-garden,  the  old  French  flower- 
garden,  and  the  modern  or  English  flower-garden. 

In  almost  all  the  different  kinds  of  flower-gardens,  two 
methods  of  forming  the  beds  are  observed.  One  is,  to  cut  the 
beds  out  of  the  green  turf,  which  is,  ever  afterwards,  kept 
well-mown  or  cut  for  the  walks,  and  the  edges  pared  ;  the 
other,  to  surround  the  beds  A^ith  edgings  of  verdure,  as  box, 
etc.,  or  some  more  durable  material,  as  tiles,  or  cut  stone,  the 
walks  between  being  covered  with  gravel.  The  turf  is  cer- 
tainly the  most  agreeable  for  walking  upon  in  the  heat  of 
summer,  and  the  dry  part  of  the  day.  While  the  gravelled 
flower-garden  afibrds  a  dry  footing  at  nearly  all  hours  and 
seasons. 


[Fig.  75.    The  Irregular  Flower-garilen.] 


EMBELLISHMENTS.  399 

The  irregular  flower-garden  is  surrounded  by  an  irregu- 
lar belt  of  trees  and  ornamental  shrubs  of  the  choicest  spe- 
cies, and  the  beds,  are  varied  in  outline,  as  well  as  irregularly 
disposed,  sometimes  grouping  together,  sometimes  standing 
singly,  but  exhibiting  no  uniformity  of  arrangement.  An 
idea  of  its  general  appearance  may  be  gathered  from  the 
accompanying  sketch,  (Fig.  75,)  which  may  be  varied  at  plea- 
sure. In  it  the  irregular  boundary  of  shrubs  is  shown  at  a, 
the  flower-beds  6,  and  the  walks  e. 

This  kind  of  flower-garden  would  be  a  suitable  accom- 
paniment to  the  house  and  grounds  of  an  enthusiastic 
lover  of  the  picturesque,  whose  residence  is  in  the  Rural 
Gothic  style,  and  whose  grounds  are  also  eminently  varied 
and  picturesque.  Or  it  might  form  a  pretty  termination  to  a 
distant  walk  in  the  pleasure-grounds,  where  it  would  be  more 
necessary  that  the  flower-garden  should  be  in  keeping  with 
the  surrounding  plantations  and  scenery,  than  with  the  house. 

Where  the  flower-garden  is  a  spot  set  apart,  of  any  regular 
outline,  not  of  large  size,  and  especially  where  it  is  attached 
directly  to  the  house,  we  think  the  effect  is  most  satisfactory 
when  the  beds  or  walks  are  laid  out  in  symmetrical  forms. 
Our  reasons  for  this  are  these  ;  the  flower-garden,  unlike  dis- 
tant portions  of  the  pleasure-ground  scenery,  is  an  appendage 
to  the  house,  seen  in  the  same  view  or  moment  with  it,  and 
therefore  should  exhibit  something  of  the  regularity  which 
characterizes,  in  a  greater  or  less  degree,  all  architectural 
compositions  ;  and  when  a  given  scene  is  so  small  as  to  be 
embraced  in  a  single  glance  of  the  eye,  regular  forms  are 
found  to  be  more  satisfactory  than  irregular  ones,  which,  on 
so  small  a  scale,  are  apt  to  appear  unmeaning. 

The  French  flower-garden  is  the  most  fanciful  of  the 
regular  modes  of  laying  out  the  area  devoted  to  this  purpose. 


400  LANDSCAPE  GARDENING. 

The  patterns  or  figures  employed  are  often  highly  intricate, 
and  require  considerable  skill  in  their  formation.  The  walks 
are  either  of  gravel  or  smoothly  shaven  turf,  and  the  beds  are 
filled  with  choice  flowering  plants.  It  is  evident  that  much 
of  the  beauty  of  this  kind  of  flower-garden,  or  indeed  any 
other  where  the  figures  are  regular  and  intricate,  must  depend 
on  the  outlines  of  the  beds,  or  j)arterres  of  etiibroidery^  as 
they  are  called,  being  kept  distinct  and  clear.  To  do  this 
efiectually,  low  growing  herbaceous  plants,  or  border  flowers, 
perennials  and  annuals,  should  be  chosen,  such  as  will  not 
exceed  on  an  average,  one  or  two  feet  in  height. 

In  the  English  flower-garden,  the  beds  are  either  in  sym- 
metrical forms  and  figures,  or  they  are  characterized  by  ir- 
regular curved  outlines.  The  peculiarity  of  these  gardens, 
at  present  so  fashionable  in  England,  is,  that  each  separate 
bed  is  planted  with  a  single  variety,  or  at  most  two  varieties  of 
flowers.  Only  the  most  striking  and  showy  varieties  are  ge- 
nerally chosen,  and  the  elfect,  when  the  selection  is  judicious, 
is  highly  brilliant.  Each  bed,  in  its  season,  presents  a  mass 
of  blossoms,  and  the  contrast  of  rich  colours  is  much  more 
striking  than  in  any  other  arrangement.  No  plants  are  ad- 
mitted that  are  shy  bloomers,  or  which  have  ugly  habits  of 
growth,  meagre  or  starved  foliage ;  the  aim  being  brilliant 
eflect,  rather  than  the  display  of  a  great  variety  of  curious  or 
rare  plants.  To  bring  this  about  more  perfectly,  and  to  have 
an  elegant  show  during  the  whole  season  of  growth,  hya- 
cinths and  other  fine  bulbous  roots  occupy  a  certain  portion 
of  the  beds,  the  intervals  being  filled  with  handsome  herba- 
ceous plants,  permanently  planted,  or  with  flowering  annuals 
and  green-house  plants  renewed  every  season. 

To  illustrate  the  mode  of  arranging  the  beds  and  disposing 
the  plants  in  an  English  garden,  we  copy  the  plan  and  de- 


EMBELLISHMENTS, 


401 


scription  of  the  elegant  flower-garden,  on  the  lawn  at  Drop- 
more^  the  beds  being  cut  out  of  the  smooth  turf. 

"  The  flower-garden  at  Dropmore  is  shown  in  fig.  76. 
In  this  the  plants  are  so  disposed,  that  when  in  flower  the 
corresponding  forms  of  the  figure  contain  corresponding 
coloured  flowers.  The  following  is  a  list  of  the  plants  which 
occupy  this  figure  during  summer,  with  the  order  in  which 
they  are  disposed  :  and  a  corresponding  enumeration  of  the 
bulbs  and  other  plants  which  occupy  the  beds  during  winter 
and  spring. 


[Fig.  76.    The  Flower-Garden  at  Dropmore.] 

In  Summer. 


1.  Rosalndica,  (blush  China,)  bordered  with  R-Sempeirfloreus 

flore  pleno,  and  R.  Indica  minor. 

2.  Pelargonium  inquinans,  (Scarlet  Geranium.) 

3.  Verbena  Lamberti. 

4.  Senecio  elegans,  flore  pleno.     (Double  Jacobea.) 

5.  5.     Alonsoa  incisifolia. 
6. 6.    Agathea  excelsis. 

7.  Fuchsia coccinea,  (Lady's  Eardrop,)  bordered  with  Double 

Primrose. 

8.  Helitropium  peruvianum. 

9.  Ruellia  formosa. 

10.  Ageratum  mexicanum. 

11.  Dianthus  chiucnsis,  (Indian  Pink,)  and  Mignonette. 

12.  Lobelia  splendens. 

13.  Dianthus  satifolius. 

51 


402 


LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

Beds. 

14.  Lobelia  unidentata. 

15.  15. 15.     Choice  herbaceous  plants  not  exceeding  one  foot 

six  inches  in  height. 

16.  16.     Gladiolus  cardinalis. 

17.  Pelargonium  lateripis,  (pink-flowered  variegated  Ivy  Ge- 

ranium.) 

18.  Anagallis  grandiflora. 

19.  Anagellis  Monelli. 

20.  Pelargonium  coruscans,  (Fiery-red  Geranium.) 

21.  Prince  of  Orange  Geranium. 

22.  Oenothera  coespitosa. 

23.  Oenothera  missouriensis,  (Missouri  evening  Primrose.) 

24.  Scarlet  flowered  variegated-leaved  Geranium. 

25.  Malope  trifida. 

26.  Lobelia  fulgens. 

27.  Petunea  Phoenecia. 

28.  Commelina  celestis. 

29.  Cistus  guttatus. 

30.  Campanula  pentagona. 

31.  Four  seasons  Rose,  and  Mignonette. 

32.  Bouvardia  triphylla. 
38.  Double  Nasturtium. 

In  Winter  and  Spring. 

Beds. 

1.  Anemone  Coronaria. 

2.  2.     Malcomia  maratima,  (Mediterranean  stock.) 
3  and  4.     Fine  varieties  of  Tulips. 

5.  5.     Double  rocket  Larkspur,  (sown  in  autumn.) 

6.  6.     Agathecea  cselestis. 

7.  Scilla  nutans,  (blue  harebell.) 

8.  Feathered  Hyacinths. 

9  and  10.     Sweet  scented  Tulips. 

11.  Double  garden  Tulips. 

12.  Single  gesneriana  Tulips. 

13  and  14.     Tritonia  crocata,  and  Tritonia  fenestra,  kept  in 
frames  in  mid-winter. 

15.  15.  15.  15.     Choice  herbaceous  plants  not  exceeding  one 

foot  six  inches  in  height. 

16.  16.    Hyacinths,  double  blue,  plunged  in  pots. 

17.  Hyacinths,  double  red,  do. 

18  and  19.    Hyacinths,  single  blue  variety, 
20  and  21.    Single  white  Hyacinths. 


EMBELLISHMENTS.  403 

Beds. 

22  and  23.     Crocus  vernus  and  biflorus. 

24.     Hyacinths,  double  red. 

25  and  26.     Tulips,  double  yellow. 

27.  Hyacinths,  double  white. 

28.  Muscari  botryoides,  (Grape  Hyacinth.) 

29.  Oxalis  caprina,  (kept  in  frames  in  mid-winter.) 

30.  Scilla  verna,  (Spring  Harebell.) 

31.  Muscari  racemosum,  the  border  of  Viola  tricolor  in  sorts. 

32.  Hyacinths,  double  white. 

33.  Double  rose  Larkspur. 

"  As  a  general  principle  for  regulating  the  plants  in  this 
figure,  the  winter  and  spring  flowers  ought,  as  much  as  pos- 
sible, to  be  of  sorts  which  admit  of  being  in  the  ground  all 
the  year :  and  the  summer  crop  should  be  planted  at  inter- 
vals between  the  winter  plants.  Or  the  summer  crop,  hav- 
ing been  brought  forward  in  pots  under  glass,  or  by  nightly 
protection,  may  be  planted  out  about  the  middle  of  June, 
after  the  winter  plants  in  pots  are  removed.  A  number  of 
hardy  bulbs  ought  to  be  potted  and  plunged  in  the  beds  in 
the  months  of  October  and  November ;  and  when  out  of 
bloom,  in  May  or  June,  removed  to  the  reserve  garden  and 
plunged  there  in  order  to  perfect  their  foliage  and  mature 
their  bulbs  for  the  succeeding  season."* 

There  cannot  be  a  question  that  this  method  of  planting 
the  flower-garden  in  groups  and  masses,  is  productive  of  by 
far  the  most  splendid  efiect.  In  England,  where  flower- 
gardens  are  carried  to  their  greatest  perfection,  the  preference 
in  planting  is  given  to  exotics  which  blossom  constantly 
throughout  the  season,  and  which  are  kept  in  the  green- 
house during  winter,  and  turned  out  in  the  beds  in  the  early 
part  of  the  season,  where  they  flower  in  the  greatest  pro- 
fusion until  frost ;    as  Fuchsias,  Salvias,  Lobelias,  Scarlet 

*  Ency.  of  Gardening,  1000. 


404 


LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 


Poe>^gc3^o5i^CZ) 


[Fig.  77.     English  FIower^Gaideu.] 


Geraniums,  etc.,  etc.*  This  mode  can  be  adopted  here  where 
a  small  green-house  or  frame  is  kept.  In  the  absence  of 
these,  nearly  the  same  effect  may  be  produced  by  choosing 
the  most  showy  herbaceous  plants,  perennial  and  biennial. 


*  In  many  English  residences,  the  flower-garden  is  maintained  in  never-fading 
brilliancy  by  almost  daily  supplies  from  what  is  termed  the  reserve  garden.  This 
is  a  small  garden  out  of  sight,  in  which  a  great  number  of  duplicates  of  the 
species  in  the  flower-garden  are  grown  in  pots  plunged  in  beds.  As  soon  as  a 
vacuum  is  made  in  the  flower-garden  by  the  fading  of  any  flowers,  the  same  are 
immediately  removed  and  their  places  supplied  by  fresh  plants  just  ready  to 
bloom,  from  the  pots  in  the  reserve  garden.  This,  which  is  the  ullimatum  of 
refinement  in  flower-gardening,  has  never,  to  our  knowledge,  been  attempted  in 
this  country. 


EMBELLISHMENTS.  405 

alternating  them  with  hardy  bulbs,  and  the  finer  species  o^ 
annuals. 

In  Fig.  77,  we  give  an  example  of  a  small  cottage  or  villa 
residence  of  one  or  two  acres,  where  the  flower-beds  are  dis- 
posed around  the  lawn  in  the  English  style :  their  forms 
irregular,  with  curved  outlines,  affording  a  great  degree  of 
variety  in  the  appearance  as  viewed  from  diiferent  points  on 
the  lawn  itself.  In  this,  the  central  portion  is  occupied  by 
the  lawn ;  c,  d,  are  the  flower-beds,  planted  with  showy 
border-flowers,  in  separate  masses;  6,  the  conservatory. 
Surrounding  the  whole  is  a  collection  of  choice  shrubs  and 
trees,  the  lowest  near  the  walk,  and  those  behind  increasing 
in  altitude  as  they  approach  the  boundary  wall  or  fence.  In 
this  plan,  as  there  is  supposed  to  be  no  exterior  view  worth 
preserving,  the  amphitheatre  of  shrubs  and  trees  completely 
shuts  out  all  objects  but  the  lawn  and  its  decorations,  which 
are  rendered  as  elegant  as  possible. 

Where  the  proprietor  of  a  country  residence,  or  the  ladies 
of  the  family  have  a  particular  taste,  it  may  be  indulged  at 
pleasure  in  other  and  diflerent  varieties  of  the  flower-garden. 
With  some  families  there  is  a  taste  for  botany,  when  a  small 
botanic  flower-garden  may  be  preferred — the  herbaceous  and 
other  plants,  being  grouped  or  massed  in  beds  after  the 
Linnean,  or  the  natural  method.  Some  persons  have  an 
enthusiastic  fondness  for  florist  flowers,  as  Pansies,  Carna- 
tions, Dahlias,  Roses,  etc. ;  others  for  bulbous  roots,  all  of 
which  may  very  properly  lead  to  particular  modes  of  laying 
out  flower-gardens. 

The  desideratum,  however,  with  most  persons  is,  to  have 
a  continued  display  of  blossoms  in  the  flower-garden  from 
the  opening  of  the  crocus  and  snow-drop  in  the  spring,  until 
the  autumnal  frosts  cut  off"  the  last  pale  asters,  or  blacken  the 


406  LANDSCAPE  GARDENING. 

Stems  of  the  luxuriant  dahlias  in  November.  This  may  be 
done  with  a  very  small  catalogue  of  plants  if  they  are  pro- 
perly selected  :  such  as  flower  at  diflerent  seasons — continue 
long  time  in  bloom,  and  present  fine  masses  of  flowers.  On 
the  other  hand,  a  very  large  number  of  species  may  be  assem- 
bled together ;  and  owing  to  their  being  merely  botanical 
rarities,  and  not  bearing  fine  flowers — or  to  their  blossoming 
chiefly  in  a  certain  portion  of  the  season — or  continuing  but 
a  short  period  in  bloom,  the  flower-garden  will  often  have 
but  an  insignificant  appearance.  With  a  group  of  Pansies 
and  spring  bulbs,  a  bed  of  ever-blooming  China  Roses,  in- 
cluding the  Isle  de  Bourbon  varieties,  some  few  Esch- 
scholtzias,  the  showy  Petunias,  Gillias,  and  other  annuals, 
and  a  dozen  choice  double  Dahlias,  and  some  trailing  Ver- 
benas, a  limited  spot,  of  a  few  yards  in  diameter,  may  be 
made  productive  of  more  enjoyment,  so  far  as  regards  a 
continued  display  of  flowers,  than  ten  times  that  space, 
planted,  as  we  often  see  flower-gardens  here,  with  a  heteroge- 
neous mixture  of  every  thing  the  possessor  can  lay  his  hands 
on,  or  crowd  within  the  enclosure. 

The  mingled  flower-garden,  as  it  is  termed,  is  by  far  the 
most  common  mode  of  arrangement  in  this  country,  though 
it  is  seldom  well  effected.  The  object  in  this  is  to  dispose 
the  plants  in  the  beds  in  such  a  manner  that,  while  there  is 
no  predominance  of  bloom  in  any  one  portion  of  the  beds, 
there  shall  be  a  general  admixture  of  colours  and  blossoms 
throughout  the  entire  garden  during  the  whole  season  of 
growth. 

To  promote  this,  the  more  showy  plants  should  be  often 
repeated  in  different  parts  of  the  garden,  or  even  the  same 
parterre  when  large,  the  less  beautiful  sorts  being  suffered 
to  occupy  but  moderate  space.     The  smallest  plants  should 


EMBELLISHMENTS.  407 

be  nearest  the  walk,  those  a  little  taller  behind  them,  and  the 
largest  should  be  farthest  from  the  eye,  at  the  back  of  the 
border,  when  the  latter  is  seen  from  one  side  only,  or  in 
the  centre,  if  the  bed  be  viewed  from  both  sides.  A  neglect  of 
this  simple  rule,  will  not  only  give  the  beds,  when  the  plants 
are  full  grown,  a  confused  look,  but  the  beauty  of  the  hum- 
bler and  more  delicate  plants  will  be  lost  amid  the  tall  thick 
branches  of  sturdier  plants,  or  removed  so  far  from  the  spec- 
tator in  the  walks,  as  to  be  overlooked. 

Considerable  experience  is  necessary  to  arrange  even  a 
moderate  number  of  plants  in  accordance  with  these  rules. 
To  perform  it  successfully,  some  knowledge  of  the  habits  of 
the  plants  is  an  important  requisite ;  their  height,  time  of 
flowering,  and  the  colours  of  their  blossoms.  When  a  gar- 
dener, or  an  amateur,  is  perfectly  informed  on  these  points, 
he  can  take  a  given  number  of  plants  of  different  species, 
make  a  plan  of  the  bed,  or  all  the  beds  of  a  flower-garden 
upon  paper,  and  designate  the  particular  situation  of  each 
species. 

To  facilitate  the  arrangement  of  plants  in  this  manner,  we 
here  subjoin  a  short  list  of  the  more  showy  perennial  and 
annual  hardy  border  flowers,  such  as  are  easily  procured 
here,  for  the  use  of  those  who  are  novices  in  the  art,  and 
who  wish  to  cultivate  a  taste  for  the  subject. 

No.  1,  Designates  the  first  class  Avhich  grow  from  six  to 
twelve  inches  in  height. 

No.  2,  Those  which  grow  from  one  to  two  feet. 

No.  3,  Those  which  are  over  two  feet  in  height. 

Hardy  Perennials. 

Floweking  in  April. 

1.    Anemone  tlalictroides,  pi.    Double  wood  Anemone  ;  white. 
1.    Anemone  pulsatilla.    Pasque  flower  ;  blue. 


408  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

1.  Anemone  hepatica,  pi.     Double  Hepaticas  ;  blue. 

1.     Viola  odorata,  pi.     Double  white  and  blue  European  violets. 

1.  Omphalodes  verna.     Blue  Venus  Navelwort. 

1.  Polemonium  reptans.     Greek  Valerian  ;  blue. 

1.  Phlox  stolonifera.     Creeping  Phlox  ;  red. 

2.  Phlox  dixaricata.     Early  purple  Phlox. 

1.  Primula  veris.     The  Cowslip  ;  yellow  and  red. 

1.  Primula  polyaniha.     The  Polyanthus  ;  purple. 

1.  Primula  auricula.     The  Auricula  ;  purple. 

1.  Viola  tricolor.  Heart's  Ease  or  Pansy  ;  many  colours  and  sorts. 

1.  Viola  grandiflora.     Purple  Pansy. 

2.  Saxifraga  crassifolia.    Thick-leaved  Saxifrage  ;  lilac. 
1.  Phlox  subuluta.     Moss  pink  Phlox. 

1.  Phlox  nivea.     White  Moss  Pink, 

1.  Gentiana  acaulis.    Dwarf  Gentian  ;  purple. 
1..  Adonis  vernalis.     Spring  fl.  Adonis  ;  yellow. 

2.  Dodecatheon  meadia.    American  Cowslip  ;  lilac. 

2.  Pulmonaria  virginica.     Virginian  Lungwort ;  purple. 

2.  Alyssum  saxatile.     Golden  basket ;  yellow. 

2.  Trollius  europeus.    European  Globe  flower  ;  yellow. 

1.  Corydalis  cucularia.    Breeches-flower ;  white. 

May. 

1.  Veronica  gentianoides ;  Gentian  leaved  Speedwell ;  blue. 

2.  Veronica  spicata;  Blue  spiked  Speedwell. 

2.  Penistemon  ovata  ;  Oval  leaved  Pentstemon  ;  blue. 

2.  Pentstemon  atropurpureus  ;  Dark  purple  Pentstemon. 

2.  Orohus  niger ;  Dark  purple  Vetch. 

1.  Jeffersonia  diphylla ;  Five-leaved  JefFersonia  ;  white. 

1.  Lysamachia  nummularia ;  Trailing  Loose-strife  ;  yellow. 

1.  Convallaria  majalis  ;  Lily  of  the  Valley ;  white. 

1.  Saponaria  ocymoides ;  Basil-like  Soapwort ;  red. 
L  Phlox  pilosa  ;  Hairy  Phlox  ;  red. 

2.  Anchusa  Italica  ;  Italian  Bugloss  ;  blue. 

2.  Ranunculus  acris,  pi.    Double  Buttercups  ;  yellow. 

2.  Tradescantia  virginica  ;  blue  and  white  Spiderwort. 

2.  Lupinus  polyphyllus ;  Purple  Lupin. 

2.  Iris  sibirica ;  Siberian  Iris  ;  blue. 

3.  Iris  Jlorentina  ;  Florentine  Iris  ;  white. 

3.  Pcconiatenuifolia;  smallleaved  Pfeony  ;  red. 

3.  Pcenia  albijlora ;  single  white  Pseony. 

2.  Lupinus  nooikaensis ;  Nootka  Sound  Lupin  ;  blue. 

2.  Hesperis  matronalis,  albo,  pi. ;  the  double  white  Rocket. 


EMBELLISHMENTS.  409 

2.  Phlox  suaveolens;  the  white  Phlox  or  Lychnidea. 

2.  Phlox  maculata ;  the  purple  spotted  Phlox. 

3.  Hemerocallis  Jlava ;  the  yellow  Day-Lily. 

2.  Lupimts  perennis  a.ni  rivularis ;  perennial  Lupins  ;  blue. 

2.  Lychnis  JloscucuU,  pi. ;  double  ragged-Robin  ;  red. 

2.  Papaver  orienialis  ;  oriental  scarlet  Poppy. 

2.  Aquilegia  canadensis  ;  wild  Columbine  ;  scarlet. 

1.  Houstonia  ccETolea ;  blue  Houstonia. 

June. 

1.  Spirccajilipendula,  pi. ;  Double  Pride  of  the  Meadow  ;  white. 

2.  Spirccalohata;  Siberian  Spirea  ;  red. 

2.  Spircca  Ulmaria,  pi. ;  double  Meadow-sweet ;  white. 

2.  Delphinium  grandijlorum,  pi. ;   double  dark  blue  Larkspur. 

2.  Delphinium  chinense,  pi. ;  double  Chinese  Larkspur  ;  blue. 

2.  Dianihus  hortensis ;    garden  Pinks,    many    double   sorts  and 

colours. 
2.     Caltha  palustris,  pi. ;  double  marsh  Marygold  ;   yellow. 

1.  Cypripedium  pubescens  ;  Yellow  Indian  moccasin. 

2.  Polemonium  cceruleum,  and  aZium ;  common  white   and  blue 

Greek  Valerian. 
2.     Campanula  persicifolia,  pi. ;  double  peach-leaved  Campanula  ; 

white. 

2.  Antirhinum  majus  ;   red  and  white  Snap  dragons. 

2.  Geranium  sanguineum ;  bloody  Geranium  ;  red. 

1.  Viscaria  vulgaris,  pi. ;    white  and  red  Viscaria. 

2.  CEnothera  fruticosa ;  shrubby  Evening  Primrose  ;   yellow. 
1.  Eschscholtzia  californica ;  golden  Escscholtzia ;  yellow. 

1.  Lychnis  fulgens ;  fulgent  Lychnis;  red. 

1.  Dianihus  chinensis  ;  Indian  Pinks  ;  variegated. 

2.  Dianihus  caryophyllus ;  Carnation  ;  variegated. 
1.     Verbena  muUiJida ;  cut-leaved  Verbena  ;  purple. 

1.  Verbena  Lamberti ;   Lambert's  Verbena  ;   purple. 

2.  Campanula  grandijlora  ;   large  blue  Bell-flower. 

3.  Aconilum  Napellus ;  Monks  hood  ;  purple. 

3.  Aconitum  Napellus,  variegated ;  purple  and  white  Monks  Hood. 
3.     Campanula  rapunculoides ;  nodding  Bell-flower ;  blue. 

2.  Clematis  integrifolia  ;  Austrian  blue  Clematis. 

3.  Verbascum  phcenecium ;  purple  Mullein. 

3.     Clematis  eretta ;   upright  Clematis  ;    white. 

3.     Linum  perrene ;  perennial  Flax  ;  blue. 

3.  PcBonia  Humei ;  double  blush  Poeony. 

3.     Pceonia  fragrans ;   double  fragrant  Poeony  ;  rose. 

52 


410  LANDSCAPE  GARDENING. 

3.  PcBonia  whitleji ;   double  white  Pceony. 

3.  Gaillardia  aristata ;  bristly  Gaillardia  ;  yellow. 

2.  Asphodelus  ramosus  :  branchy  Asphodel ;  white. 

2.  Pentstemon  speciosa  ;  showy  Pentstemon  ;  blue. 

1.  Irish  Susana  ;   Chalcedonian  Iris  ;  mottled. 

July. 

2.  Dictamnus  Fraxinella  ;  purple  Fraxinella. 
2.  Dictamnus  alba  ;  white  Fraxinella. 

1.  Pentstemon  Ricliardsonii ;  Richardson's  Pentstemon ;  purple. 

1.  Pentstemon  pubescens  ;  downy  Pentstemon ;  lilac. 

2.  Anch§sa  officinalis ;  common  Bugloss  ;  blue. 

1.  Campanula  carpatica;  Carpathian  Bell-flower;  blue. 

2.  Monarda  didyma  ;  scarlet  Balm. 

2.  Oenothera  Fraseri ;  Eraser's  Evening  Primrose  ;  yellow. 

2.  CEnolhera  macrocarpa ;  large  podded  Evening  Primrose  ;  yel- 
low. 

1.  Sedum  populifolium  ;  poplar-leaved  Sedum ;  white. 

2.  Campanula  Trachelium,  pi ;  double    white,    and  blue  Bell- 

flowers. 

2.  Potentilla  Russelliana ;  Russell's  Cinquefoil ;  red. 
1.  Dianlhus  deltoides ;  Mountain  Pink  ;  red. 

1.  Veronica  mar itima ;  Maritime  Speedwell ;  blue. 

3.  Delphinium  elatum  ;  Bee  Larkspur  ;  blue. 

2.  Delphinium  speciosum ;  showy  Larkspur  ;  blue. 

2.  Campanula  macrantha ;  large  blue  Bell-flower. 

3.  Pentstemon  Digitalis ;  Missouri  Pentstemon ;  white. 
3.  Hibiscus  palustris ;  swamp  Hibiscus  ;  red. 

3.  Lychnis  Chalcedonica ;  single  and  double  scarlet  Lychnis. 

2.  Chelone  Lyoni ;  purple  Chelone. 

2.  Chelone  barbata ;  bearded  Chelone  ;  orange. 

2.  Dracocephalum  grandiflorum ;  Dragon's  Head  ;  purple. 

3.  Lythrum  latifolium ;  Perennial  Pea  ;  purple. 

August. 

2.  Catananche  ccereulea ;  blue  Catananche. 

1.  Corydalis  formosa ;  red  Fumitory. 

1.  Phlox  carnea ;  flesh  coloured  Phlox. 

2.  Asclepias  tuberosa ;  orange  Swallowort. 

2.  Veronica  carnea ;  flesh  coloured  Speedwell. 

2.  Gaillardia  bicolor  ;  orange  Gaillardia. 

2.  Hemerocallis  japonica ;  Japan  Day-Lily  ;  white. 

2.  Dianthus  superbus;  superb  fringed  Pink  ;  white. 


EMBELLISHMENTS.  411 

2.  Lobelia  cardinalis  ;  Cardinal-flower  ;  red. 

1.  Lychnis  coronata ;  Chinese  orange  Lychnis. 

2.  Lyihrum  Salicaria  ;  Willow  Herb  ;  purple. 

3.  Yucca filamentosa;  Adam's  Thread  ;  white. 
3.  Yucca flaccida ;  Flaccid  Yucca ;  white. 

3.     Phlox 'paniculata ;  panicled  Phlox;  purple  and  white. 
3.     Campanula  pyramidalis ;  pyramidal  Bell-flower ;  bl  ue  and 
white. 

2.  Liatris  squarrosa ;  Blazing  Star  ;  blue. 

3.  Epilobium  spicaium ;  purple  spiked  Epilobiura. 

2.  Coreopsis  tenuifolia  ;  fine-leaved  Coreopsis  ;  yellow. 

3.  Cassia  marylandica  ;  Maryland  Cassia  ;  yellow. 

September  and  October, 

1.  Achillea  Ptarmica,  pi.  ;  double  Milfoil ;  white. 

2.  Coreopsis  grandiflora ;  large  yellow  Coreopsis. 

1.  Aster  linifolius  ;  fine-leaved  Aster  ;  white. 

2.  Eupatorium  ccelesdnum ;  azure  blue  Eupatorium. 

2.  Phlox  ivheeleriana  ;  Wheeler's  Phlox  ;  red. 

3.  Aster  macrophyllus ;  broad-leaved  Aster ;  white. 

3.  Eupatorium  aromaticum ;  Fragrant  Eupatorium  ;  white. 

3.  Liatris  elegans ;  elegant  Blazing  Star;  purple. 

3.  Liatris  spicata  and  scariosa ;  blue  Blazing  Stars. 

1.  Gentania  Saponaria ;  Soapwort  Gentian  ;  blue. 

3.  Aster  novcB-anglicc  ;  New-England  Aster ;  purple. 

3.  Echinops  ritro;  Globe  Thistle. 

8.  Chrysanthemum  indicum ;  Astemesias,  many  sorts  and  colours. 

The  shrubbery  is  so  generally  situated  in  the  neighbour- 
hood of  the  flower-garden  and  the  house,  that  we  shall  here 
offer  a  few  remarks  on  its  arrangement  and  distribution. 

A  collection  of  flowering  shrubs  is  so  ornamental,  that  to 
a  greater  or  less  extent,  it  is  to  be  found  in  almost  every  resi- 
dence of  the  most  moderate  size:  the  manner  in  which  the 
shrubs  are  disposed,  must  necessarily  depend  in  a  great  de- 
gree, upon  the  size  of  the  grounds,  the  use  or  enjoyment  to 
be  derived  from  them,  and  the  prevailing  character  of  the 
scenery. 

It  is  evident,  on  a  moment's  reflection,  that  shrubs  being 


412 


LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 


intrinsically  more  ornamental  than  trees,  on  account  of 
the  beauty  and  abundance  of  their  flowers,  they  will  gene- 
rally be  placed  near  and  about  the  house,  in  order  that 
their  gay  blossoms  and  fine  fragrance  may  be  more  constant- 
ly enjoyed,  than  if  they  were  scattered  indiscriminately  over 
the  grounds. 

Where  a  place  is  limited  in  size,  and  the  whole  lawn  and 
plantations  partake  of  the  jileasure-grotind  character,  shrubs 
of  all  descriptions  may  be  grouped  with  good  effect,  in  the 
same  manner  as  trees,  throughout  the  grounds.  The  finer 
and  rarer  species  being  disposed  about  the  dwelling,  and  the 
more  hardy  and  common  sorts  along  the  walks,  and  in 
groups,  in  different  situations  near  the  eye. 

When,  however,  the  residence  is  of  larger  size,  and  the 
grounds  have  a  park-like  extent  and  character,  the  introduc- 
tion of  shrubs  might  interfere  with  the  noble  and  dignified 
expression  of  lofty  full  grown  trees,  except  perhaps,  they 
were  planted  here  and  there,  among  large  groups,  as  under- 
wood ;  or  if  cattle  or  sheep  were  allowed  to  graze  in  the 
park,  it  would  of  course  be  impossible  to  preserve  plantations 
of  shrubs  there.  When  this  is  the  case,  however,  a  portion 
near  the  house  is  divided  from  the  park  (by  a  wire  fence  or 
some  inconspicuous  barrier,)  for  the  pleasure-ground,  where 
the  shrubs  are  disposed  in  belts,  groups,  etc.,  as  in  the  first 
case  alluded  to. 

There  are  two  methods  of  grouping  shrubs  upon  lawns 
which  may  separately  be  considered,  in  combination  with 
graceful  and  with  picturesque  scenery. 

In  the  first  case,  where  the  character  of  the  scene,  of  the 
plantations  of  trees,  etc.,  is  that  of  polished  beauty,  the  belts 
of  shrubs  may  be  arranged  similar  to  herbaceous  flowering 
plants,  in  arabesque  beds,  along  the  walks,  as  in  Fig.  77, 


EMBELLISHMENTS.  413 

page  404.  In  this  case,  the  shrubs  alone,  arranged  with 
relation  to  their  height,  may  occupy  the  beds,  or  if  preferred, 
shrubs  and  flowers  may  be  intermingled.  Those  who  have 
seen  the  shrubbery  at  Hyde  Park,  the  residence  of  the  late 
Dr.  Hosack,  which  borders  the  walk  leading  from  the  man- 
sion, to  the  hot-houses,  will  be  able  to  recall  a  fine  example 
of  this  mode  of  mingling  woody  and  herbaceous  plants. 
The  belts  or  borders  occupied  by  the  shrubbery  and  flower- 
garden  there,  are  perhaps  from  25  to  35  feet  in  width,  com- 
pletely filled  with  a  collection  of  shrubs  and  herbaceous  plants ; 
the  smallest  of  the  latter  being  quite  near  the  walk  ;  these 
succeeded  by  taller  species  receding  from  the  front  of  the 
border,  then  follow  shrubs  of  moderate  size,  advancing  in 
height  until  the  back  ground  of  the  whole  is  a  rich  mass  of 
tall  shrubs  and  trees  of  moderate  size.  The  effect  of  this  belt 
on  so  large  a  scale,  in  high  keeping,  is  remarkably  striking 
and  elegant. 

Where  -picturesque  effect  is  the  object  aimed  at  in  the 
pleasure-grounds,  it  may  be  attained  in  another  way  ;  that 
is,  by  planting  irregular  groups  of  the  most  vigorous  and 
thrifty  growing  shrubs  in  lawn,  without  placing  them  in 
regular  dug  beds  or  belts  ;  but  instead  of  this,  keeping  the 
grass  from  growing  and  the  soil  somewhat  loose,  for  a  few 
inches  round  their  stems,  (which  will  not  be  apparent  at  a 
short  distance.)  In  the  case  of  many  of  the  hardier  shrubs, 
after  they  become  well  established,  even  this  care  will  not 
be  requisite,  and  the  grass  only,  will  require  to  be  kept  short 
by  clipping  it  when  the  laAvn  is  mown. 

As  in  picturesque  scenes,  every  thing  depends  upon  group- 
ing icell,  it  will  be  found  that  shrubs  may  be  employed  with 
excellent  effect,  in  connecting  single  trees,  or  finishing  a 
group  composed  of  large  trees,  or  giving  fulness  to  groups 


414  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

of  tall  trees  newly  planted  on  a  lawn,  or  effecting  a  union 
between  buildings  and  ground.  It  is  true  that  it  requires 
something  of  an  artist's  feeling  and  perception  of  the  pictu- 
resque to  do  these  successfully,  but  the  result  is  so  much  the 
more  pleasing  and  satisfactory  when  it  is  well  executed. 

When  walks  are  continued  from  the  house  through  dis- 
tant parts  of  the  pleasure-grounds,  groups  of  shrubs  may  be 
planted  along  their  margins,  here  and  there,  with  excellent 
effect.  They  do  not  shut  out  or  obstruct  the  view  like  large 
trees,  while  they  impart  an  interest  to  an  otherwise  tame  and 
spiritless  walk.  Placed  in  the  projecting  bay,  round  which 
the  walk  curves  so  as  to  appear  to  be  a  reason  for  its  taking 
that  direction,  they  conceal  also  the  portion  of  the  walk  in 
advance,  and  thus  enhance  the  interest  doubly.  The  neigh- 
bourhood of  rustic  seats,  or  resting  points,  are  also  fit  places 
for  the  assemblage  of  a  group  or  groups  of  shrubs. 

For  the  use  of  those  who  require  some  guide  in  the  selec- 
tion of  species,  we  subjoin  the  accompanying  list  of  hardy 
and  showy  shrubs,  which  are  at  the  same  time  easily  procured 
in  the  United  States.  A  great  number  of  additional  species 
and  varieties,  and  many  more  rare,  might  be  enumerated, 
but  such  will  be  sufficiently  familiar  to  the  connoisseur 
already  ;  and  what  we  have  said  respecting  botanical  rarities 
in  flowering  plants  may  be  applied  with  equal  force  to  shrubs, 
viz :  that  in  order  to  produce  a  billiant  effect,  a  few  well 
chosen  species,  often-repeated,  are  more  effective  than  a  great 
and  ill-assorted  melange. 

In  the  following  list,  the  shrubs  are  divided  into  two  clas- 
ses— No.  1  designating  those  of  medium  size,  or  low  growth^ 
and  No.  2,  those  which  are  of  the  largest  size. 


EMBELLISHMNTS.  415 


Flowering  in  April. 

1.  Daphne  mezereum,  The  pink  Mezereum,  D.  M.  album,  the 

white  Mezereum. 

2.  Sheperdia  argentea,  the  Buifaio  berry  ;   yellow. 

1.  ZanlhorMza  apiifolia,  the  parsley-leaved  Yellow-root ;   brown. 

1.  Cydonia  japonica,  the  Japan  Quince  ;  scarlet. 

1.  Cydonica  japonica  alba,  the  Japan  Quince  ;  white. 

2.  Amelanchier  Botryapium,  the  snowy  Medlar. 
1.  Ribes  aureum,  the  Missouri  Currant ;  yellow. 

1.  Coronilla  Emerus,  the  Scorpion  Senna  ;  yellow. 

2.  Magnolia  conspicua,  the  Chinese  chandelier  Magnolia  ;  white. 

May. 

2.  Crategus  oxycantha,  the  scarlet  Hawthorn. 

2.  Crategus  oxycantha,  Jl.  pleno,  the  double  white  Hawthorn. 

2.  Chionanihus  virginica,  the  white  Fringe  tree. 

1.  Chionanthus  latifolius,  the  broad-leaved  Fringe  tree  ;  white. 

1.  Azalea :  many  fine  varieties  ;  red,  white  and  yellow. 

1.  Calycanthus  jlorida,  the  Sweet-scented-shrub  ;  brown. 

1.  Magnolia  purpurea,  the  Chinese  purple  Magnolia. 

2.  Halesia  telraptera,  the  silver  Bell  tree  ;  white. 

2.     Syringa  vulgar-is,  the  common  white  and  red  Lilacs. 

1.     Syringa  persica,  the  Persian  Lilac  :  white  and  purple. 

1.  Syringa  persica  laciniata,  the  Persian  cut-leaved  Lilac  ;  pur- 
ple. 

I.     Kerriaox  Corchorus  japonica,  the  Japan  Globe  flower;  yellow. 

1.  Lonicera  tartarica,  the  Tartarian  upright  Honeysuckles  ;  red 
and  white. 

1.  Philadelphus  coronarius,  the  common  Syringe,  and  the  double 
Syringo  ;  white. 

1.     Spiraea  hypericifolia,  the  St.  Stephen's  wreath  ;  white. 

L     Spiraa  corymbosa,  the  cluster  flowering  Spirea  ;  white. 

1.     Ribes  sanguineum,  the  scarlet  flowering  Currant. 

1.     Amygdalus  pumila,  pi.  the  double  dwarf  Almond  ;  pink. 

1.  Caragana  Chamlagn,  the  Siberian  Pea  tree  ;  yellow. 

2.  Magnolia  soulangeana,  the  Soulange  Magnolia  ;  purple. 

1.     Paonia  Moutan  banksia,  and  rosea,  the  Chinese  tree  Pseo- 

nias ;  purple. 
1.     jBen^^amia/rflg-i/era,  the  red  berried  Benthamia;  yellow. 

June. 

1.    Amorphafruticosa,  the  Indigo  Shrub ;  purple. 


416  LANDSCAPE  GARDENING. 


2.  Coluiea  arborescens,  the  yellow  Bladder-senna. 

1.  Coluiea  cruenta,  the  red  Bladder-senna. 

1.  Cyiisus  capitatus,  the  cluster-flowered  Cytissus  ;  yellow. 

1.  Siuariia  virginica,  the  white  Stuartia. 

1.  Cornus  sanguinea,  the  bloody  twig  Dogwood  ;  white. 

1.  Hydrangea  quercifolia,  the  oak-leaved  Hydrangea ;  white. 

2.  Philadelphus  grandiflorus,  the  large  flowering  Syringo  ;  white. 
2.  Viburnum  Opulus,  the  Snow-ball ;  white. 

2.  iVfag"?ioZmg"Zawcfl!,  the  swamp  Magnolia ;  white. 

1.  Robiniahispida,  the  Rose-acacia. 

July. 

1.  Spirea  bella,  the  beautiful  Spirea  ;  red. 

2.  Sophorajaponica,  the  Japan  Sophora  ;  white. 

2.     Sophora  japonica  pendula,  the  weeping  Sophora  ;  white. 
2.    Rhus   Coiinus,  the  Venetian  Fringe  tree  ;  yellow.     (Brown 
tufts.) 

1.  Ligustrum  vulgare,  the  common  Privet ;  white. 

2.  Cyiisus  Laburnum,  the  Laburnum  ;  yellow. 

2.  Cytisus  I.  quercifolia,  the  oak-leaved  Laburnum ;  white. 

1.  Cyiisus  purpureu,  the  purple  Laburnum. 

1.  Cyiisus  argenieus,  the  silvery  Cytissus  ;  yellow. 

1.  Cytisus  nigricans,  the  black  rooted  Cytissus ;  yellow. 

2.  Kcelreuteria  paniculaia,  the  Japan  Kcelreuteria  ;  yellow. 

August  and  September. 

1.     Cleihra  alnifolia,  the  alder-leaved  Clethra  ;  white. 

1.  Symphoria  racemosa,  the  Snowberry;  (in  fruit,)  white. 

2.  Hibiscus  syriacus,  the  double  purple,  double  white,  double 

striped,  double  blue,  and  variegated  leaved  Altheas. 

1.  Spircea  tomeniosa,  the  tomentose  Spirea;  red. 

2.  Magnolia  glauca,  thompsoniana,  the  late  flowering  Magnolia  ; 

white. 

1.  Baccharis  halimifolia,  the  Groundsel  tree  ;  white  tufts. 

2.  Euonymus  europccus,  the  European  Strawberry  tree,  (in 

fruit,)  red. 
2.     Euonymus  europccus  aZfia,  the  European  Strawberry-tree  ;  the 

fruit  white. 
2.     Euonymus  laiif alius,  the  broad -leaved  Strawberry  tree  ;  red. 
1.     Daphne  mezereum,  auiumnalis,  the  autumnal  Mezereum. 

Besides  the  above,  there  are  a  great  number  of  charming 
varieties  of  hardy  roses,  some  of  which  may  be  grown  in  the 


EMBELLISHMENTS.  417 

common  way  on  their  own  roots,  and  others  grafted  on  stocks, 
two,  three,  or  four  feet  high,  as  standards  or  tree-roses.  The 
effect  of  the  latter,  if  such  varieties  as  George  the  Fourth, 
La  Cerisette,  Pallagi,  or  any  of  the  new  hybrid  roses  are 
g  rown  as  standards,  is  wonderfully  brilliant,  when  they  are 
in  full  bloom.  Perhaps  the  situation  where  tiiey  are  displayed 
to  the  greatest  advantage  is,  in  the  centre  of  small  round, 
•oval,  or  square  beds  in  the  flower-garden,  Avhere  the  remain- 
der of  the  plants  composing  the  bed  are  of  dwarfish  growth, 
so  as  not  to  hide  the  stem  and  head  of  the  tree-roses. 

There  are,  unfortunately,  but  few  evei'green  shrubs  that 
will  endure  the  protracted  cold  of  the  winters  of  the  north- 
ern states.  The  fine  Hollies,  Portugal  Laurels,  Laurusti- 
nuses,  etc.,  which  are  the  glory  of  English  gardens  in  autumn 
and  winter,  are  not  hardy  enough  to  endure  the  depressed 
temperature  of  ten  degrees  below  zero.  South  of  Philadel- 
phia, these  beautiful  exotic  evergreens  may  be  acclimated 
with  good  success,  and  will  add  greatly  to  the  interest  of 
the  shrubbery  and  grounds  in  Avinter. 

Besides  the  Balsam  firs,  and  the  Spruce  firs,  the  Arbor 
Vitas,  and  other  evergreen  trees  which  we  have  described  in 
the  previous  pages  of  this  volume,  the  following  hardy  spe- 
cies of  evergreen  shrubs  may  be  introduced  with  advantage 
in  the  pleasure-ground  groups,  viz  : — 

Rhododendron  maximum,  the  American  rose  bay  or  big  Laurel ; 
white  and  pink,  several  varieties,  (in  shaded  places). 

Kalmia  latifolia,  the  common  Laurel ;  several  colours. 

Junherus  suecia,  the  Swedish  Juniper. 

Juniperis  communis,  the  Irish  Juniper. 

Buxus  arborescens,  the  common  Tree-box,  the  Gold  striped  Tree- 
box,  and  the  Silver  striped  Tree-box. 

Ilex  opaca,  the  American  Holly. 

Crategus  pyracantha,  the  Evergreen  Thorn. 

Mahonia  aquifoUa,  the  Holly  leaved  Berberry. 

53 


418  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

The  Conservatory  or  the  Green-House  is  an  elegant  and 
delightful  appendage  to  the  villa  or  mansion,  when  there  is 
a  taste  for  plants  among  the  different  members  of  a  family. 
Those  who  have  not  enjoyed  it,  can  hardly  imagine  the 
pleasure  afforded  by  a  well-chosen  collection  of  exotic  plants, 
which,  amid  the  genial  warmth  of  an  artificial  climate,  con- 
tinue to  put  forth  their  lovely  blossoms,  and  exhale  their 
delicious  perfumes,  when  all  out  of  door  nature  is  chill  and 
desolate.  The  many  hours  of  pleasant  and  healthy  exercise 
and  recreation  afforded  to  the  ladies  of  a  family,  where  they 
take  an  interest  themselves  in  the  growth  and  vigour  of  the 
plants,  are  certainly  no  trifling  considerations  where  the 
country  residence  is  the  place  of  habitation  throughout  the 
whole  year.  Often  during  the  inclemency  of  our  winter  and 
spring  months,  there  are  days  when  either  the  excessive  cold, 
or  the  disagreeable  state  of  the  weather,  prevents  in  a  great 
measure  many  persons,  and  especially  females,  from  taking 
exercise  in  the  open  air.  To  such,  the  conservatory  would 
be  an  almost  endless  source  of  enjoyment  and  amusement ; 
and  if  they  are  true  amateurs,  of  active  exertion  also.  The 
constant  changes  which  daily  growth  and  development  bring 
about  in  vegetable  forms,  the  interest  we  feel  in  the  opening 
of  a  favourite  cluster  of  buds,  or  the  progress  of  the  thrifty 
and  luxuriant  shoots  of  a  rare  plant,  are  such  as  serve  most 
effectually  to  prevent  an  occupation  of  this  nature  from  ever 
becoming  monotonous,  or  ennuyante. 

The  difference  between  the  green-house  and  conserva- 
tory is,  that  in  the  former,  the  plants  are  all  kept  in  ijots  and 
arranged  on  stages,  both  to  meet  the  eye  agreeably,  and  for 
more  convenient  growth  ;  while  in  the  conservatory^  the 
plants  are  grown  in  a  bed  or  border  of  soil  precisely  as  in 
the  open  air. 


EMBELLISHMENTS.  419 

When  either  of  these  plant  habitations  is  to  be  attached  to 
the  house,  the  preference  is  greatly  in  favour  of  the  conser- 
vatory. The  plants  being  allowed  more  room,  have  richer 
and  more  luxuriant  foliage,  and  grow  and  flower  in  a  man- 
ner altogether  superior  to  those  in  pots.  The  allusion  to 
nature  is  also  more  complete  in  the  case  of  plants  growing 
in  the  ground ;  and  from  the  objects  all  being  on  the 
same  level,  and  easily  accessible,  they  are  with  more  facility 
kept  in  that  perfect  nicety  and  order  which  an  elegant  plant- 
house  should  always  exhibit. 

On  the  other  hand,  the  green-house  will  contain  by  far 
the  largest  number  of  plants,  and  the  same  may  be  more 
easily  changed  or  renewed  at  any  time  ;  so  that  for  a  particu- 
lar taste,  as  that  of  a  botanical  amateur,  who  wishes  to  grow 
a  great  number  of  species  in  a  small  space,  the  green-house 
will  be  found  preferable.  Whenever  either  the  conservatory 
or  green-house  is  of  moderate  size,  and  intended  solely  for 
private  recreation,  we  would  in  every  case,  when  such  a 
thing  is  not  impossible,  have  it  attached  to  the  house ;  com- 
municating by  a  glass  door  with  the  drawing-room,  or  one 
of  the  living  rooms.  Nothing  can  be  more  gratifying  than  a 
vista  in  winter  through  a  glass  door  down  the  walk  of  a  con- 
servatory, bordered  and  overhung  with  the  fine  forms  of  tro- 
pical vegetation, — golden  oranges  glowing  through  the  dark 
green  foliage,  and  gay  corrollas  lighting  up  the  branches  of 
Camellias,  and  other  floral  favourites.  Let  us  add  the  ex- 
ulting song  of  a  few  Canaries,  and  the  enchantment  is  com- 
plete. How  much  more  refined  and  elevated  is  the  taste 
which  prefers  such  accessories  to  a  dwelling,  rather  than 
costly  furniture,  or  an  extravagant  display  of  plate  ! 

The  best  and  most  economical  form  for  a  conservatory  is 
a  parallelogram — the  deviation  from  a  square  being  greater 


420  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

or  less  according  to  circumstances.  When  it  is  joined  to  the 
dwelling  by  one  of  its  sides,  (in  the  case  of  the  parallelogram 
form,)  the  roof  need  only  slope  in  one  way,  that  is  from  the 
house.  When  one  of  the  ends  of  the  conservatory  joins  the 
dwelling,  the  roof  should  slope  both  ways,  from  the  centre. 
The  advantage  of  the  junction  in  the  former  case,  is,  that 
less  outer  surface  of  the  conservatory  being  exposed  to  the 
cold,  viz.  only  a  side  and  two  ends,  less  fuel  will  be  required  ; 
the  advantage  in  the  latter  case  is,  that  the  main  walk  lead- 
ing down  the  conservatory,  will  be  exactly  in  the  line  of  the 
vista  from  the  drawing-room  of  the  dwelling. 

It  is,  we  hope,  almost  unnecessaiy  to  state,  that  the  roof  of 
a  conservatory,  or  indeed  any  other  house  where  plants  are 
to  be  Avell-grown,  must  be  glazed.  Opaque  roofs  prevent 
the  admission  of  perpendicular  light,  without  which  the 
stems  of  vegetation  are  drawn  up  weak  and  feeble,  and  are 
attracted  in  an  unsightly  manner  towards  the  glass  in  front. 
When  the  conservatory  joins  the  house  by  one  of  its  ends, 
and  extends  out  from  the  building  to  a  considerable  length, 
the  effect  Avill  be  much  more  elegant ;  and  the  plants  will 
thrive  more  perfectly,  when  it  is  glazed  on  all  of  the  three 
sides,  so  as  to  admit  light  in  every  direction. 

The  best  aspect  for  a  conservatory  is  directly  south  ;  south- 
east and  southwest  are  scarcely  inferior.  Even  east  and 
west  exposures  will  do  very  well,  where  there  is  plenty  of 
glass  to  admit  light ;  for  though  our  winters  are  cold,  yet 
there  is  a  great  abundance  of  sun,  and  bright  clear  atmos- 
phere, both  far  more  beneficial  to  plants,  than  the  moist,  foggy 
vapour  of  an  English  winter,  which,  though  mild,  is  com- 
paratively sunless.  When  the  conservatory  adjoins,  and 
looks  into,  the  flower-garden,  the  effect  will  be  appropriate 
and  pleasing. 


EMBELLISHMENTS.  421 

Some  few  hints  respecting  the  construction  of  a  conserva- 
tory may  not  be  unacceptable  to  some  of  our  readers.  In  the 
first  place,  the  roof  should  have  a  sufficient  slope  to  carry  off 
the  rain  rapidly,  to  prevent  leakage  ;  from  40  to  45  degrees  is 
found  to  be  the  best  inclination  in  our  climate.  The  roof 
should  by  no  means  be  glazed  with  large  panes,  because 
small  ones  have  much  greater  strength,  which  is  requisite  to 
withstand  the  heavy  weight  of  snow  that  often  falls  during 
winter,  as  well  as  to  resist  breakage  by  hail  storms  in  sum- 
mer. Four  or  eight  inches  by  six,  is  the  best  size  for  roof- 
glass,  and  with  this  size  the  lap  of  the  panes  need  not  be 
greater  than  one-eighth  of  an  inch,  while  it  would  require 
to  be  one-fourth  of  an  inch,  were  the  panes  of  the  usual  size. 
On  the  front  and  sides,  the  sashes  may  be  handsome,  and 
filled  in  with  the  best  glass  ;  even  plate-glass  has  been  used 
in  many  cases  to  our  knowledge  here. 

In  the  second  place,  some  thorough  provision  must  be 
made  for  warming  the  conservatory ;  and  it  is  by  far  the 
best  mode  to  have  the  apparatus  for  this  purpose  entirely  in- 
dependent of  the  dwelling-house ;  that  is,  (though  the  fur- 
nace may  be  in  the  basement,)  the  flues  and  fire  should  be 
intended  to  heat  the  conservatory  alone ;  for  although  a  con- 
servatory may,  if  small,  be  heated  by  the  same  fire  which 
heats  the  kitchen  or  one  of  the  living  rooms,  it  is  a  much 
less  eflicient  mode  of  attaining  this  object,  and  renders  the 
conservatory  more  or  less  liable  at  all  times  to  be  too  hot  or 
too  cold. 

The  common  square  flue,  the  sides  built  of  bricks,  and  the 
top  and  bottom  of  tiles  manufactured  for  that  purpose,  is  one 
of  the  oldest,  most  simple,  and  least  expensive  methods  of 
heating  in  use.  Latterly,  its  place  has  been  supplied  by  hot 
water  circulated  in  large  tubes  of  three  or  four  inches  in 


422 


LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 


diameter  from  an  open  boiler,  and  by  Perkins'  mode,  as  it  is 
called,  which  employs  small  pipes  of  an  inch  in  diameter, 
hermetrically  sealed.  Economy  of  fuel  and  in  the  time  re- 
quisite in  attendance,  are  the  chief  merits  of  the  hot  water 
systems,  which  however  have  the  great  additional  advantage 
of  affording  a  more  moist  and  genial  temperature. 

In  a  green-house,  the  flues,  or  hot  water  pipes,  may  be  con- 
cealed under  the  stage.  In  conservatories  they  should  by  all 
means  be  placed  out  of  sight  also.  To  effect  this,  they  are 
generally  conducted  into  a  narrow,  hollow  chamber,  under 
the  walk,  which  has  perforated  sides  or  a  grated  top,  to  per- 
mit the  escape  of  heated  air.* 


[Fig.  73.    Villa  at  Brooklyn,  N.T.,  with  the  Conaervatoiy  attached.] 

One  of  the  most  beautiful  conservatories  attached  to  the 
dwelling,  to  which  we  can  refer  our  readers,  for  an  example, 
is  one  built  by  J,  W.  Perry,  Esq.,  Brooklyn,  near  New- York, 
(Fig.  78,)  forming  the  left  wing  of  this  elegant  villa.    Among 


*  The  circulation  of  warm  air  is  greatly  accelerated,  when  an  opening  through 
the  outer  air  is  permitted  to  enter  the  hot  air  passage,  thus  becoming  heated  and 
passing  into  the  conservatory. 


EMBELLISHMENTS.  423 

the  most  magnificent  detached  conservatories  are  those  of  J. 
P.  Gushing,  Esq.,  at  his  elegant  seat,  Belmont  Place,  Water- 
town,  near  Boston  ;  and  that  at  Montgomery  Place,  the  seat 
of  Mrs.  Edward  Livingston,  on  the  Hudson,  Fig.  79. 

A  conservatory  is  frequently  made  an  addition  to  a  rectan- 
gular Grecian  villa,  as  one  of  its  wings — the  other  being  a 
living  or  bed-room.  The  more  varied  and  irregular  outline 
of  Gothic  buildings,  enables  them  to  receive  an  appendage  of 
this  nature  with  more  facility  in  almost  any  direction,  where 
the  aspect  is  suitable.  Whatever  be  the  style  of  the  archi- 
tecture of  the  house,  that  of  the  conservatory  should  in  every 
case  conform  to  it,  and  evince  a  degree  of  enrichment  ac- 
cording with  that  of  the  main  building. 

Though  a  conservatory  is  often  made  an  expensive  luxury, 
attached  only  to  the  better  class  of  residences,  there  is  no 
reason  why  cottages  of  more  humble  character  should  not 
have  the  same  source  of  enjoyment,  on  a  more  moderate 
scale.  A  small  green-house,  or  plaid  cabinet,  as  it  is  some- 
times called,  eight  or  ten  feet  square,  communicating  with  the 
parlour,  and  constructed  in  a  simple  style,  may  be  erected 
and  kept  up  in  such  a  manner,  as  to  be  a  source  of  much 
pleasure,  for  a  comparatively  trifling  sum  ;  and  we  hope  soon 
to  see  in  this  country,  where  the  comforts  of  life  are  more 
equally  distributed  than  in  any  other,  the  taste  for  enjoy- 
ments of  this  kind  extending  itself  with  the  means  for  real- 
izing them,  into  every  portion  of  the  northern  and  middle 
states. 

Ope7i  and  covered  seats,  of  various  descriptions,  are  among 
the  most  convenient  and  useful  decorations  for  the  pleasure- 
grounds  of  a  country  residence.  Situated  in  portions  of  the 
lawn  or  park,  somewhat  distant  from  the  house,  they  oifer  an 
agreeable  place  for  rest  or  repose.  If  there  are  certain  points, 
from  which  are  obtained  agreeable  prospects  or  extensive 


424 


LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 


views  of  the  surrounding  country,  a  seat,  by  designating 
those  points,  and  by  affording  us  a  convenient  mode  of  enjoy- 
ing them,  has  a  double  recommendation  to  our  minds. 

Open  and  covered  seats  are  of  two  distinct  kinds  ;  one 
architectural,  or  formed  after  artist-Hke  designs,  of  stone  or 
wood,  in  Grecian,  Gothic,  or  other  forms ;  which  may,  if  they 
are  intended  to  produce  an  elegant  effect,  have  vases  on 
pedestals  as  accompaniments  ;  the  other,  rustic,  as  they  are 
called,  which  are  formed  out  of  trunks  and  branches  of  trees, 
roots,  etc.,  in  their  natural  forms. 

There  are  particular  sites,  where  each  of  these  kinds  of 
seats,  or  structures,  is,  in  good  taste,  alone  admissible.  In 
the  proximity  of  elegant  and  decorated  buildings  where  all 
around  has  a  polished  air,  it  would  evidently  be  doing  vio- 
lence to  our  feelings  and  sense  of  propriety  to  admit  many 
rustic  seats  and  structures  of  any  kind ;  but  architectural  de- 
corations and  architectural  seats  are  there  correctly  intro- 
duced. For  the  same  reason  also,  as  we  have  already  sug- 
gested, that  the  sculptured  forms  of  vases,  etc.,  would  be  out 
of  keeping  in  scenes  where  nature  is  predominant,  (as  the 
distant  wooded  parts,  or  walks  of  a  residence,)  architectural, 
or  in  other  words,  highly  artificial  seats,  would  not  be  in 
character  :  but  rustic  seats  and  structures,  which,  from  the 
nature  of  the  materials  employed  and  the  simple  manner  of 
their  construction,  appear  but  one  remove  from  natural  forms, 
are  felt  at  once  to  be  in  unison  with  the  surrounding  objects. 
Again,  the  mural,  and  highly  artistical  vase,  and  statue, 
most  properly  accompany  the  landscape  garden  in  the 
graceful  school ;  while  rustic  basket,  or  vase,  are  the  most 
fitting  decorations  of  the  Picturesque  Landscape  Garden. 

The  simplest  variety  of  covered  architectural  seat  is  th  e 
latticed  arbour  for  vines  of  various  description,  with  the  seat 
underneath  the  canopy  of  foliage  :  this  may  with  more  pro- 


EMBELLISHMENTS.  425 

priety  be  introduced  in  various  parts  of  the  grounds  than 
any  other  of  its  class,  as  the  luxuriance  and  natural  graceful- 
ness of  the  foliage  which  covers  the  arbour,  in  a  great  mea- 
sure destroys,  or  overpowers  the  expression  of  its  original 
form.  Lattice  arbours,  however,  neatly  formed  of  rough 
poles  and  posts  are  much  more  picturesque  and  suitable  for 
wilder  portions  of  the  scenery. 

The  temple  and  the  pavilion,  are  highly  finished 
forms  of  covered  seats,  which  are  occasionally  in- 
troduced in  splendid  places,  where  classic  archi- 
[Fig.  80.]     tecture  j^revails.     There  is  a  circular  pavilion  of 
this  kind  at  the  termination  of  one  of  the  walks  at  Mr. 
Langdon's  residence,  Hyde  Park.     Fig.  80. 

We  consider  rustic  seats  and  structures  as  likely  to  be 
much  preferred  in  the  villa  and  cottage  residences  of  the 
country.  They  have  the  merit  of  being  tasteful  and  pictu- 
resque in  their  appearance,  and  are  easily  constructed  by  the 
amateur,  at  comparatively  little  or  no  expense.  There  is 
scarcely  a  prettier  or  more  pleasant  object 
for  the  termination  of  a  long  walk  in  the 
7^i~7^n7  ^^  pleasure-grounds  or  park,  than  a  neatly 
thatched  structure  of  rustic  work,  with  its  seat  for  repose,  and 
a  view  of  the  landscape  beyond.  On  finding  such  an  object, 
we  are  never  tempted  to  think  that  there  has  been  a  lavish 
expenditure  to  serve  a  trifling  purpose,  but  are  gratified  to 
see  the  exercise  of  taste  and  ingenuity,  which  completely 
answers  the  end  in  view. 

Figure  81,  is  an  example  of  a  simple  rustic  seat 
formed  of  the  crooked  and  curved  branches  of  the 


oak,  elm,  or  any  other  of  our  forest  trees.     Fig.  82, 
[Fig.  82.]       -g    ^  ggg^^  q£  ^YiQ  same   character,    made  at  the 

foot  of  a  tree,  whose  overhanging  branches  afford  a  fine  shade. 

54 


426 


LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 


Figure  83,  is  a  covered  seat  or  rustic  arbour,  with  a 
thatched  roof  of  straw.  Twelve  posts  are  set  securely  in  the 
ground,  which  make  the  frame  of  this  structure,  the  open- 
ings between  being  filled  in  with  branches  (about  three 
inches  in  diameter)  of  different  trees— the  more  irregular 
the  better,  so  that  the  perpendicular  surface  of  the  exterior 
and  interior  is  kept  nearly  equal.  In  lieu  of  thatch,  the  roof 
may  be  first  tightly  boarded,  and  then  a  covering  of  bark 
or  the  slabs  of  trees  with  the  bark  on,  overlaid  and  nailed 
on.  The  figure  represents  the  structure  as  formed  round  a 
tree.     For  the  sake  of  variety  this  might  be  omitted,  the 


[Fig.  83.] 


roof  formed  of  an  open  lattice  work  of  branches  like  the 
sides,  and  the  whole  covered  by  a  grape,  bignonia,  or  some 
other  vine  or  creeper  of  luxuriant  growth.  The  seats  are  in 
the  interior. 

Figure  84,  represents  a  covered  seat  of  another  kind.  The 
central  structure,  which  is  circular,  is  inten- 
ded for  a  collection  of  minerals,  shells,  or  any 
other  curious  objects  for  which  an  amateur 
might  have  a  penchant.  Geological  or  miner- 
[Fig.  84.  ]  alogical  specimens  of  the  adjacent  neighbour- 


EMBELLISHMENTS.  427 

head,  would  be  very  proper  for  such  a  cabinet.  The  seat 
surrounds  it  on  the  outside,  over  which  is  a  thatched  roof  or 
veranda,  supported  on  rustic  pillars  formed  of  the  trunks  of 
saplings,  with  the  bark  attached. 


[Pig.  85.     Rustic  covered  Seat. J 

Many  of  the  English  country  places  abound  with  admira- 
ble specimens  of  rustic  work  in  their  parks  and  pleasure- 
grounds.  "White  Knight's,  in  particular,  a  residence  of  the 
Duke  of  Marlborough  has  a  number  of  beautiful  structures 
of  this  kind.  Figure  85,  is  a  view  of  a  round  seat  with 
thatched  roof,  in  that  demesne.  Three  or  four  rustic  pillars 
support  the  architrave,  and  the  whole  of  the  exterior  and 
interior,  (being  first  formed  of  frame-work,)  is  covered  with 
straight  branches  of  the  maple  and  larch.  The  seat  on  the 
interior,  looks  upon  a  line  prospect ;  and  the  seat  on  the 
back  of  the  exterior,  fronts  the  park. 

There  is  no  limit  to  the  variety  of  forms  and  patterns  in 
which  these  rustic  seats,  arbours,  summer-houses,  etc.,  can  be 
constructed  by  an  artist  of  some  fancy  and  ingenuity.  After 
the  frame- work  of  the  structure  is  formed  of  posts  and  rough 
boards,  if  small  straight  rods  about  an  inch  in  diameter,  of 
hazel,  white  birch,  maple,  etc.,  are  selected  in  sufficient  quan- 


428  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

tity,  they  may  be  nailed  on  in  squares,  diamonds,  medallions, 
or  other  patterns,  and  have  the  effect  of  a  mosaic  of  wood. 

Among  the  curious  results  of  this  fancy  for  rustic  work, 
we  may  mention  the  moss-house — erected  in  several  places 
abroad.  The  skeleton  or  frame-work  of  the  arbour  or  house, 
is  formed  as  we  have  just  stated  ;  over  this  small  rods  half 
an  inch  in  diameter  are  nailed,  about  an  inch  from  centre  to 
centre ;  after  the  whole  surface  is  covered  with  this  sort  of 
rustic  lathing,  a*  quantity  of  the  softer  wood-moss  of  different 
colours  is  collected ;  and  taking  small  parcels  in  the  hand  at 
a  time,  the  tops  being  evenly  arranged,  the  bottoms  or  roots 
are  crowded  closely  between  the  rods  with  a  small  wooden 
wedge.  When  this  is  done  with  some  little  skill,  the  tufted 
ends  spread  out  and  cover  the  rods  entirely,  showing  a 
smooth  surface  of  mosses  of  different  colours,  which  has  an 
effect  not  unlike  that  of  a  thick  Brussells  carpet. 

The  mosses  retain  their  colour  for  a  great  length  of  time, 
and  when  properly  rammed  in  with  the  wedge,  they  cannot 
be  pulled  out  again  without  breaking  their  tops.  The  pret- 
tiest example  which  we  have  seen  of  a  handsome  moss-house 
in  this  country,  is  at  the  residence  of  Wm.  H.  Aspinwall, 
Esq.,  on  Staten  Island. 

A  prospect  tower  is  a  most  desirable  and  pleasant  struc- 
ture in  certain  residences.  Where  the  view  is  comparatively 
limited  from  the  grounds,  on  account  of  their  surface  being 
level,  or  nearly  so,  it  often  happens  that  the  spectator,  by 
being  raised  some  twenty-five  or  thirty  feet  above  the  sur- 
face, finds  himself  in  a  totally  different  position,  whence  a 
charming  coup  (Toeil,  or  bird's-eye  view  of  the  surrounding 
country  is  obtained. 

Those  of  our  readers  who  may  have  visited  the  delightful 


EMBELLISHMENTS.  429 

garden  and  grounds  of  M.  Parmentier,  near 
Brooklyn,  some  half  a  dozen  years  since, 
during  the  hfetime  of  that  amiable  and  zeal- 
ous amateur  of  horticulture,  will  readily  re- 

[Fig.  86.     Prospecl-Arbour.] 

member  the  rustic  prospect-arbour,  or  tower, 
Fig.  86,  which  was  situated  at  the  extremity  of  his  place. 
It  was  one  of  the  first  pieces  of  rustic  work  of  any  size,  and 
displaying  any  ingenuity,  that  we  remember  to  have  seen 
here  ;  and  from  its  summit,  though  the  garden  walks  af- 
forded no  prospect,  a  beautiful  reach  of  the  neighbourhood  for 
many  miles  was  enjoyed. 

Figure  87  is  a  design  for  a  rustic  prospect  tower  of  three 

stories  in  height,  with  a  double  thatched  roof 

It  is  formed  of  rustic  pillars  or  columns,  which 

are  well  fixed  in  the  ground,  and  which  are 

filled   in    with   a    fanciful    lattice  of    rustic 

branches.     A    spiral  stair-case    winds  round 

•■^'^  ?owerT'""     the  interior  to  the  platform  of  the  second  and 

upper  stories,  where  there  are  seats  under  the  open  thatched 

roof. 

On  a  ferme  ornee^  where  the  proprietor  desires  to  give  a 
picturesque  appearance  to  the  different  appendages  of  the 
place,  rustic  work  offers  an  easy  and  convenient  method  of 
attaining  this  end.  The  dairy  is  sometimes  made  a  detached 
building,  and  in  this  country  it  may  be  built  of  logs  in  a 
tasteful  manner  with  a  thatched  roof;  the  interior  being 
studded,  lathed,  and  plastered  in  the  usual  way.  Or  the 
ice-house,  which  generally  shows  but  a  rough  gable  and  ridge 
roof  rising  out  of  the  ground,  might  be  covered  with  a  neat 
structure  in  rustic  work,  overgrown  with  vines,  which  would 
give  it  a  pleasing  or  picturesque  air,  instead  of  leaving  it,  as 
at  present,  an  unsightly  object,  which  we  are  anxious  to 
conceal. 


430  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

A  species  of  useful  decoration,  which  is  perhaps  more 
naturally  suggested  than  any  other,  is  the  bridge.  Where  a 
constant  stream,  of  greater  or  less  size,  runs  through  the 
grounds,  and  divides  the  banks  on  opposite  sides,  a  bridge  of 
some  description,  if  it  is  only  a  narrow  plank  over  a  rivulet, 
is  highly  necessary.  In  pieces  of  artificial  water  that  are 
irregular  in  outline,  a  narrow  strait  is  often  purposely  made, 
with  the  view  of  introducing  a  bridge  for  effect. 

When  the  stream  is  large  and  bold,  a  handsome  architec- 
tural bridge  of  stone  or  timber  is  by  far  the  most  suitable  ; 
especially  if  the  stream  is  near  the  house,  or  if  it  is  crossed 
on  the  Approach  road  to  the  mansion ;  because  a  character 
of  permanence  and  solidity  is  requisite  in  such  cases.  But 
when  it  is  only  a  winding  rivulet  or  crystal  brook,  which 
meanders  along  beneath  the  shadow  of  tufts  of  clustering  fo- 
liage of  the  pleasure-ground  or  park,  a  rustic  bridge  may  be 
A  /T^^  brought  in  with  the  happiest  effect.  Fig. 

M  ^^^js^i^^^^^  ^Sj  is  ^  rustic  bridge  erected  under  our 
•j^^^^^^^^^'  direction.  The  foundation  is  made  by 
[Fig.  88.  Ruatic  Bridge.]  laying  dowu  a  few  large  square  stones 
beneath  the  surface  on  both  sides  of  the  stream  to  be  span- 
ned ;  upon  these  are  stretched  two  round  posts  or  sleepers 
with  the  bark  on,  about  eight  or  ten  inches  in  diameter.  The 
rustic  hand-rail  is  framed  into  these  two  sleepers.  The  floor 
of  the  bridge  is  made  by  laying  down  small  posts  of  equal 
size,  about  four  or  six  inches  in  diameter,  crosswise  upon  the 
sleepers,  and  nailing  them  down  securely.  The  bark  is 
allowed  to  remain  on  in  every  piece  of  wood  employed  in  the 
construction  of  this  little  bridge ;  and  when  the  wood  is  cut 
at  the  proper  season,  (durable  kinds  being  chosen,)  such  a 
bridge,  well  made,  will  remain  in  excellent  order  for  many 
years. 


EMBELLISHMENTS. 


431 


Rockwork  is  another  kind  of  decoration  sometimes  intro- 
duced in  particular  portions  of  the  scenery  of  a  residence,  Fig. 
89.  Wlien  weU  executed,  that  is,  so  as  to  have  a  natural 
and  harmonious  expression,  the  effect  is  highly  pleasing. 
We  have  seen,  however,  in  places  where  a  high  keeping  and 


[Fig.  89.    Rockwork.] 

good  taste  otherwise  prevailed,  such  a  barbarous  melange^  or 
confused  pile  of  stones  mingled  with  soil,  and  planted  over 
with  dwarfish  plants  dignified  with  the  name  of  rockwork, 
that  we  have  been  led  to  believe  that  it  is  much  better  to 
attempt  nothing  of  the  kind,  unless  there  is  a  suitable  place 
for  its  display,  and  at  the  same  time,  the  person  attempting  it 
is  sufficiently  an  artist,  imbued  with  the  spirit  of  nature  in 
her  various  compositions  and  combinations,  to  be  able  to 
produce  something  higher  than  a  caricature  of  her  works. 
The  object  of  rockicork  is  to  produce  in  scenery  or  por- 
tions of  a  scene,  naturally,  or  in  a  great  measure  destitute  of 
groups  of  rocks  and  their  accompanying  drapery  of  plants 
and  foliage,  something  of  the  picturesque  efiect  which  such 
natural  assemblages  confer.  To  succeed  in  this,  it  is  evident 
that  we  must  not  heap  up  little  hillocks  of  mould  and  smooth 
stones,  in  the  midst  of  an  open  lawn,  or  the  centre  of  a  flower- 


432  LANDSCAPE  GARDENING. 

garden.  But  if  we  can  make  choice  of  a  situation  where  a 
rocky  bank  or  knoll  already  partially  exists,  or  would  be  in 
keeping  with  the  form  of  the  ground  and  the  character  of 
the  scene,  then  we  may  introduce  such  accompaniments 
with  the  best  possible  hope  of  success. 

It  often  happens  in  a  place  of  considerable  extent,  that 
somewhere  in  conducting  the  walks  through  the  grounds, 
we  meet  with  a  ridge  with  a  small  rocky  face,  or  perhaps 
with  a  large  rugged  single  rock,  or  a  bank  where  rocky 
summits  just  protrude  themselves  through  the  surface.  The 
common  feeling  against  such  uncouth  objects,  would  direct 
them  to  be  cleared  away  at  once  out  of  sight.  But  let  us  take 
the  case  of  the  large  rugged  rock,  and  commence  our  pictu- 
resque operations  upon  it.  We  will  begin  by  collecting  from 
some  rocky  hill  or  valley  in  the  neighbourhood  of  the  estate, 
a  sufficient  quantity  of  rugged  rocks,  in  size  from  a  few 
pounds  to  half  a  ton  or  more,  if  necessary,  preferring  always 
such  as  are  already  coated  with  mosses  and  lichens.  These 
we  will  assemble  around  the  base  of  the  large  rock,  in  an 
irregular  somewhat  pyramidal  group,  bedding  them  some- 
times partially,  sometimes  almost  entirely  in  soil  heaped  in 
irregular  piles  around  the  rock.  The  rocks  must  be  arranged 
in  a  natural  manner,  avoiding  all  regularity  and  appearance 
of  formal  art,  but  placing  them  sometimes  in  groups  of  half 
a  dozen  together,  overhanging  each  other,  and  sometimes  half 
bedded  in  the  soil,  and  a  little  distance  apart.  There  are  no 
rules  to  be  given  for  such  operations,  but  the  study  of  natu- 
ral groups,  of  a  character  similar  to  that  'which  we  wish  to 
produce,  will  afford  sufficient  hints  if  the  artist  is 

"Prodiguede  genie," 

and  has  a  perception  of  the  natural  beauty  which  he  desires 
to  imitate. 


EMBELLISHMENTS.  433 

The  rockwork  once  formed,  choice  trailing,  creeping  and 
alpine  plants,  such  as  delight  naturally  in  similar  situations, 
may  be  planted  in  the  soil  which  fills  the  interstices  between 
the  rocks  :  when  these  grow  to  fill  their  proper  places,  partly 
concealing  and  adorning  the  rocks  with  their  neat  green 
foliage  and  pretty  blossoms,  the  effect  of  the  whole,  if  pro- 
perly done,  will  be  like  some  exquisite  portion  of  a  rocky 
bank  in  wild  scenery,  and  will  be  found  to  give  an  air  at 
once  striking  and  picturesque  to  the  little  scene  where  it  is 
situated. 

In  small  places  where  the  grounds  are  extremely  limited, 
and  the  owner  wishes  to  form  a  rockwork  for  the  growth  of 
alpine  and  other  similar  plants,  if  there  are  no  natural  in- 
dications of  a  rocky  surface,  a  rockwork  may  sometimes  be 
introduced  without  violating  good  taste  by  preparing  natu- 
ral indications  artificially,  if  we  may  use  such  a  term.  If 
a  few  of  the  rocks  to  be  employed  in  the  rockwork  are  sunk 
half  or  three-fourths  their  depth  in  the  soil  near  the  site  of 
the  proposed  rockwork,  so  as  to  have  the  appearance  of  a 
rocky  ridge  just  croppitig-  oict^  as  the  geologists  say,  then  the 
rock  work  will,  to  the  eye  of  a  spectator,  seem  to  be  con- 
nected with,  and  growing  out  of  this  rocky  spur  or  ridge 
below  :  or,  in  other  words,  there  will  be  an  obvious  reason 
for  its  being  situated  there,  instead  of  its  presenting  a  wholly 
artificial  appearance. 

In  a  previous  page,  when  treating  of  the  banks  of  pieces  of 
water  formed  by  art,  we  endeavoured  to  show  how  the 
natural  appearance  of  such  banks  would  be  improved  by  the 
judicious  introduction  of  rocks  partially  imbedded  into  and 
holding  them  up.  Such  situations,  in  the  case  of  a  small 
lake  or  pond,  or  a  brook,  are  admirable  sites  for  rockwork. 
Where  the  materials  of  a  suitable  kind  are  abundant,  and 

55 


434  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

tasteful  ingenuity  is  not  wanting,  surprising  effects  may  be 
produced  in  a  small  space.  Caves  and  grottoes,  where  ferns 
and  mosses  would  thrive  admirably  with  the  gentle  drip 
from  the  roof,  might  be  made  of  the  overarching  rocks  ar- 
ranged so  as  to  appear  like  small  natural  caverns.  Let  the 
exterior  be  partially  planted  with  low  shrubs  and  climbing 
plants,  as  the  wild  Clematis,  and  the  effect  of  such  bits  of 
landscape  could  not  but  be  agreeable  in  secluded  portions  of 
the  grounds. 

In  many  parts  of  the  country,  the  secondary  blue  limestone 
abounds,  which,  in  the  small  masses  found  loose  in  the  woods, 
covered  with  mosses  and  ferns,  affords  the  very  finest  material 
for  artificial  rockwork.* 

After  all,  much  the  safest  way  is  never  to  introduce  rock- 
work  of  any  description,  unless  we  feel  certain  that  it  will 
have  a  good  effect.  When  a  place  is  naturally  picturesque, 
and  abounds  here  and  there  with  rocky  banks,  etc.,  little 
should  be  done  but  to  heighten  and  aid  the  expressions  of 
these,  if  they  are  wanting  in  spirit,  by  adding  something 
more  ;  or  softening  and  giving  elegance  to  the  expression, 
if  too  wild,  by  planting  the  same  with  beautiful  shrubs  and 
climbers.  On  a  tame  sandy  level,  where  rocks  of  any  kind 
are  unknown,  their  introduction  in  rockworl^s,  nine  times  in 
ten,  is  more  likely  to  give  rise  to  emotions  of  the  ridiculous, 
than  those  of  the  sublime  or  picturesque. 

*  Our  readers  may  see  an  engraving  and  description  of  a  superb  extravaganza 
in  rockwork  in  a  late  number  of  Loudon's  Gardener's  Magazine.  Lady  Broughton, 
of  Hoole  House,  Chester,  England,  has  succeeded  in  forming,  round  a  natural 
valley,  an  imitation  of  the  hills,  glaciers,  and  scenery  of  a.  passage  in  Switzerland. 
The  whole  is  done  in  rockwork,  the  snow-covered  summits  being  represented 
in  white  spar.  The  appropriate  plants,  trees,  and  shrubs  on  a  small  scale,  are 
introduced,  and  the  illusion,  to  a  spectator  standing  in  the  valley  surrounded  by 
these  glaciers,  is  said  to  be  wonderfully  striking  and  complete. 


EMBELLISHMENTS. 


435 


Fountains  are  highly  elegant  garden  decorations,  rarely 
seen  in  this  country;  which  is  owing,  not  so  much,  we  ap- 
prehend, to  any  great  cost  incurred  in  putting  them  up,  or 
any  want  of  appreciation  of  their  sparkling  and  enlivening 
effect  in  garden  scenery,  as  to  the  fact  that  there  are  few  arti- 
zans  here,  as  abroad,  whose  business  it  is  to  construct  and 
fit  up  architectural,  and  other  jets  d^eau. 

The  first  requisite,  where  a  fountain  is  a  desideratum,  is  a 

constant  supply  of  water,  either  from  a  natural  source,  or  an 

artificial  reservoir,  some  distance  higher  than  the  level  of  the 

'  surface  whence  the  jet  or  fountain  is  to  rise.    Where  there  is 


[Pig.  90.    Deeign  for  a  Fountain.] 


a  pond,  or  other  body  of  water,  on  a  higher  level  than  the 
proposed  fountain,  it  is  only  necessary  to  lay  pipes  under  the 
surface  to  conduct  the  supply  of  water  to  the  required  spot ; 
but  where  there  is  no  such  head  of  water,  the  latter  must  be 
provided  from  a  reservoir  artificially  prepared,  and  kept  con- 
stantly full. 
There  are  two  very  simple  and  cheap  modes  of  efiecting 


4.36  LANDSCAPE   GARDENING. 

this,  which  we  shall  lay  before  our  readers,  and  one  or  the 
other  of  which  may  be  adopted  in  almost  every  locality. 
The  first  is  to  provide  a  large  flat  cistern  of  sufficient  size, 
which  is  to  be  placed  under  the  roof  in  the  upper  story  of 
one  of  the  outbuildings,  the  carriage-house  for  example,  and 
receive  its  supplies  from  the  water  collected  on  the  roof 
of  the  building  ;  the  amount  of  water  collected  in  this  way 
from  a  roof  of  moderate  size  being  much  more  than  is  gene- 
rally supposed.  The  second  is  to  sink  a  well  of  capacious 
size,  (where  such  is  not  already  at  command,)  in  some  part 
of  the  grounds  where  it  will  not  be  conspicuous,  and  over  it 
to  erect  a  small  tower,  the  top  of  which  shall  contain  a  cis- 
tern and  a  small  horizontal  windmill ;  which  being  kept  in 
motion  by  the  wind  more  or  less  almost  every  day  in  sum- 
mer, will  raise  a  sufficient  quantity  of  water  to  keep  the  re- 
servoir supplied  from  the  well  below.  In  either  of  these 
cases,  it  is  only  necessary  to  carry  leaden  pipes  from  the  cis- 
tern, (under  the  surface,  below  the  reach  of  frost,)  to  the  place 
where  the  jet  is  to  issue ;  the  supply  in  both  these  cases  will, 
if  properly  arranged,  be  more  than  enough  for  the  consump- 
tion of  the  fountain  during  the  hours  when  it  will  be  neces- 
sary for  it  to  play  ;    viz.  from  sunrise  to  evening. 

The  steam  engine  is  often  employed  to  force  up  water  for 
the  supply  of  fountains  in  many  of  the  large  public  and 
royal  gardens  ;  but  there  are  few  cases  in  this  country 
where  private  expenditures  of  this  kind  would  be  justifiable. 

"In  conducting  the  water  from  the  cistern  or  reservoir  to 
the  jet  or  fountain,  the  following  particulars  require  to  be  at- 
tended to : — In  the  first  place,  all  the  pipes  must  be  laid 
sufficiently  deep  in  the  earth,  or  otherwise  placed  and  protected 
so  as  to  prevent  the  possibility  of  their  being  reached  by  frost ; 
next,  as  a  general  rule,  the  diameter  of  the  orifice  from  which 


EMBELLISHMENTS.  437 

the  jet  of  water  proceeds,  technically  called  the  bore  of  the 
quill,  ought  to  be  four  times  less  than  the  bore  of  the  conduit 
pipe  ;  that  is,  the  quill  and  the  pipe  ought  to  be  in  a  quad- 
ruple proportion  to  each  other.  There  are  several  sorts  of 
quills  or  spouts,  which  throw  the  water  up  or  down,  into  a 
variety  of  forms  :  such  as  fans,  parasols,  sheaves,  showers, 
mushrooms,  inverted  bells,  etc.  The  larger  the  conduit  pipes 
are,  the  more  freely  will  the  jets  display  their  different  forms  ; 
and  the  fewer  the  holes  in  the  quill  or  jet,  (for  sometimes 
this  is  pierced  like  the  rose  of  a  watering  pot,)  the  greater 
certainty  there  will  be  of  the  form  continuing  the  same  ;  be- 
cause the  risk  of  any  of  the  holes  choking  up  will  be  less. 
The  diameter  of  a  conduit  pipe,  ought,  in  no  case,  to  be  less 
than  one  inch  ;  but  for  jets  of  very  large  size,  the  diameter 
ought  to  be  two  inches.  Where  the  conduit  pipes  are  of 
great  length,  say  upwards  of  1000  feet,  it  is  found  advan- 
tageous to  begin,  at  the  reservoir  or  cistern,  with  pipes  of  a 
diameter  somewhat  greater  than  those  which  deliver  the 
water  to  the  quills,  because  the  water,  in  a  pipe  of  uniform 
diameter  of  so  great  a  length,  is  found  to  lose  much  of  its 
strength,  and  become  what  is  technically  called  sleepy : 
while  the  diiferent  sizes  quicken  it,  and  redouble  its  force. 
For  example,  in  a  conduit  pipe  of  1800  feet  in  length,  the 
first  six  hundred  feet  may  be  laid  with  pipes  of  eight  inches 
in  diameter,  the  next  600  feet  with  pipes  of  six  inches  in 
diameter,  and  the  last  600  feet  with  pipes  of  four  inches  in 
diameter.  In  conduits  not  exceeding  900  feet,  the  same 
diameter  may  be  continued  throughout.  When  several  jets 
are  to  play,  in  several  fountains,  or  in  the  same,  it  is  not 
necessary  to  lay  a  fresh  pipe  from  each  jet  to  the  reseiwoir  ; 
a  main  of  sufficient  size,  with  branch  pipes  to  each  jet,  be- 
ing all  that  is  required.     Wliere  the_conduit  pipe  enters  the 


438  LANDSCAPE  GARDENING. 

reservoir  or  cistern,  it  ought  to  be  of  increased  diameter,  and 
the  grating  placed  over  it  to  keep  out  leaves  and  other  mat- 
ters which  might  choke  it  up,  ought  to  be  semi-globular  or 
conical ;  so  that  the  area  of  the  number  of  holes  in  it,  may 
exceed  the  area  of  the  orifice  of  the  conduit  pipe.  The  ob- 
ject is  to  prevent  any  diminution  of  pressure  from  the  body 
of  water  in  the  cistern,  and  to  facilitate  the  flow  of  the  water. 
Where  the  conduit  pipe  joins  the  fountain,  there,  of  course, 
ought  to  be  a  cock  for  turning  the  water  off  and  on  ;  and 
particular  care  must  be  taken  that  as  much  water  may  pass 
through  the  oval  hole  of  this  cock  as  passes  through  the  cir- 
cular hole  of  the  pipe.  In  conduit  pipes^  all  elbows,  bend- 
ings,  and  right  angles  should  be  avoided  as  much  as  possible, 
since  they  diminish  the  force  of  the  water.  In  very  long 
conduit  pipes,  air-holes  formed  by  soldering  on  upright  pieces 
of  pipe,  terminating  in  inverted  valves  or  suckers,  should  be 
made  at  convenient  distances,  and  protected  by  shafts  built 
of  stone  or  brick,  and  covered  with  moveable  gratings,  in  or- 
der to  let  out  the  air.  Where  pipes  ascend  and  descend,  on 
very  irregular  surfaces,  the  strain  on  the  lowest  parts  of  the 
pipe  is  always  the  greatest ;  unless  care  is  taken  to  relieve 
this,  by  the  judicious  disposition  of  cocks  and  air-holes. 
Without  this  precaution,  pipes  conducted  over  irregular  sur- 
faces will  not  last  nearly  so  long  as  those  conducted  over  a 
level." — Encycl.  of  Cottage^  Farm,  and  Villa  Architecture, 
page  989. 

Where  the  reservoir  is  but  a  short  distance,  as  from  a  dozen 
to  fifty  yards,  all  that  is  necessary  is  to  lay  the  conduit  pipes 
on  a  regular  uniform  slope,  to  secure  a  steady  uninterrupted 
flow  of  water.  Owing  to  the  friction  in  the  pipes,  and  the 
pressure  of  the  atmosphere,  the  water  in  the  fountain,  will 
of  course,  in  no  case,  rise  quite  as  high  as  the  level  of  the 


EMBELLISHMENTS. 


439 


water  in  the  reservoir  ;  but  it  will  nearly  as  high.  For  ex- 
ample, if  the  reservoir  is  ten  feet  four  inches  high,  the  water 
in  the  jet  will  only  rise  ten  feet,  and  in  like  proportion  for 
the  different  heights.  The  following  table*  shows  with  a 
given  height  of  reservoirs  and  diameter  of  conduit  pipes  and 
orifices, 
fountain 


the  height   to  which  the  water  will   rise  in  the 


Height  of  the 

Diameter  of  the 

Diameters  of  the 

Height  the  water 

Reservoir. 

Conduit  pipes. 

Orifices. 

will  rise  to. 

Feet.     1     Inches. 

Inches.     |     Lines. 

Lines.      |      Farts. 

Feet.    1    Inches. 

5            1 

0              22 

4            0 

5            0 

10            4 

0              25 

5            0 

10            0 

15            9 

2i              0 

6            0 

15            0 

21            4 

2^              0 

6i          0 

20            0 

33            0 

3                0 

7            0 

30            0 

45            4 

4i              0 

7            8 

40            0 

.58            4 

5                0 

8          10 

50            0 

72            0 

5J              0 

10          12 

60            0 

86            4 

6                0 

12          14 

70            0 

100            0 

7                0 

12          15 

80            0 

[Fig.  91.] 


A  simple  jet,  (Fig.  91,)  issuing  from  a  circular  basin  of 
water,  or  a  cluster  of  perpendicular  jets  (candelabra  jets)  is 
at  once  the  simplest  and  most  pleasing  of  foun- 
tains.    Such   are  almost  the  only  kinds   of 
fountains  which  can  be  introduced  with  pro- 
priety in  simple  scenes  where  the  predominate 
objects  are  sylvan,  and  not  architectural. 
Weeping,  or   Tazza  Fountains,  as  they  are  called,  are 
simple  and  highly  pleasing  objects  which  require  only  a 
'^i^r'^''';'''''''^'^''^^^         very  moderate  supply  of  water  com- 
!,'i,'i.';i,'    pared  with  that  demanded  by  a  con- 
. , ,    stant  and  powerful  jet.     The  conduit 
'ii'll;!    pipe  rises  through  and  fills  the  vase, 
[Fig.  92.  Tazza  Fountain.]       whlch  Is  SO  fomied  as  to  ovorflow 


Switzer's  Introducttbn  to  a  general  system  of  Hydrostatics. 


440  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

round  its  entire  margin.  Figure  92  represents  a  beautiful 
Grecian  vase  for  tazza  fountains.  The  ordinary  jet  and  the 
tazza  fountain  may  be  combined  in  one,  when  the  supply  of 
water  is  sufficient,  by  carrying  the  conduit  pipe  to  the  level 
of  the  top  of  the  vase,  from  which  the  water  rises  perpen- 
dicularly, then  falls  back  into  the  vase  and  overflows  as 
before. 

We  might  enumerate  and  figure  a  great  many  other 
designs  for  fountains;  but  the  connoisseur  will  receive 
more  ample  information  on  this  head  than  we  are  able  to 
afford,  from  the  numerous  French  works  devoted  to  this 
branch  of  Rural  Embellishment. 

A  species  of  rustic  fountain  which  has  a  good  effect,  is 
make  by  introducing  the  conduit  pipe  or  pipes  among  the 
groups  of  rockivork  alluded  to,  from  whence  (the  orifice  of 
the  pipe  being  concealed  or  disguised,)  the  water  issues 
among  the  rocks  either  in  the  form  of  a  cascade,  a  weeping 
fountain,  or  a  perpendicular  jet.  A  little  basin  of  water  is 
formed  at  the  foot  or  in  the  midst  of  the  rockwork  ;  and  the 
cool  moist  atmosphere  afforded  by  the  trickling  streams, 
would  offer  a  most  congenial  site  for  aquatic  plants,  ferns, 
and  mosses. 

Fountains  of  a  highly  artificial  character  are  happily  situ- 
ated only  when  they  are  placed  in  the  neighbourhood  of 
buildings  and  architectural  forms.  When  only  a  single 
fountain  can  be  maintained  in  a  residence,  the  centre  of  the 
flower-garden,  or  the  neighbourhood  of  the  piazza  or  terrace- 
walk  is,  we  think,  much  the  most  appropriate  situation  for 
it.  There  the  liquid  element,  dancing  and  sparkling  in 
the  sunshine,  is  an  agreeable  feature  in  the  scene,  as  viewed 
from  the  windows  of  the  rooms  ;  and  the  falling  watery 
spray  diffusing  coolness  around  is  no  less  delightful  in  the 
su  rrounding  stillness  of  a  summer  evening. 


EMBELLISHMENTS.  441 

After  all  that  \vc  have  said  respecting  architectural  and 
rustic  decorations  of  the  grounds,  we  must  admit  that  it  re- 
quires a  great  deal  of  good  taste  and  judgment,  to  introduce 
and  distribute  them  so  as  to  be  in  good  keeping  with  the 
scenery  of  country  residences.  A  country  residence,  where 
the  house  with  a  few  tasteful  groups  of  flowers  and  shrubs, 
and  a  pretty  lawn,  with  clusters  and  groups  of  luxuriant  trees, 
are  all  in  high  keeping  and  evincing  high  order,  is  far  more 
beautiful  and  pleasing  than  the  same  place,  or  even  one  of 
much  larger  extent,  where  a  profusion  of  statues,  vases,  and 
fountains,  or  rockwork  and  rustic  seats  are  distributed 
throughout  the  garden  and  grounds,  while  the  latter,  in 
themselves,  show  slovenly  keeping,  and  a  crude  and  meagre 
knowledge  of  design  in  Landscape  Gardening. 

Unity  of  expression,  is  the  maxim  and  guide  in  this 
department  of  the  art,  as  in  every  other.  Decorations  can 
never  be  introduced  with  good  effect,  when  they  are  at ' 
variance  with  the  character  of  surrounding  objects.  A 
beautiful  Grecian  villa  may,  with  the  greatest  propriety,  re- 
ceive the  decorative  accompaniments  of  elegant  vases,  sun- 
dials, or  statues,  should  the  proprietor  choose  to  display  his 
wealth  and  taste  in  this  manner ;  but  these  decorations 
would  be  totally  misapplied  in  the  case  of  a  plain  square 
edifice,  evincing  no  architectural  style  in  itself. 

In  addition  to  this,  there  is  great  danger  that  a  mere  lover 
of  fine  vases  may  run  into  the  error  of  assembling  these 
objects  indiscriminately  in  different  parts  of  his  grounds, 
where  they  have  really  no  place,  but  interfere  with  the  quiet 
character  of  surrounding  nature.  He  may  overload  the 
grounds  with  an  unmeaning  distribution  of  sculpturesque  or 
artificial  forms,  instead  of  working  up  those  parts  where  art 
predominates  in  such  a  manner,  by  means  of  appropriate 

56 


442  LANDSCAPE    GARDENING. 

decorations,  as  to  heighten  by  contrast,  the  beauty  of  the 
whole  adjacent  landscape. 

With  regard  to  pavilions,  summer-houses,  rustic  seats,  and 
garden  edifices  of  like  character,  they  should,  if  possible,  in 
all  cases  be  introduced  where  they  are  manifestly  appropriate 
or  in  harmony  with  the  scene.  Thus  a  grotto  should  not 
be  formed  in  the  side  of  an  open  bank,  but  in  a  deep 
shadowy  recess;  a  classic  temple  or  pavilion  may  crown 
a  beautiful  and  prominent  knoll,  and  a  rustic  covered  seat 
may  occupy  a  secluded,  quiet  portion  of  the  grounds,  where 
Yindisturbed  meditation  may  be  enjoyed.  As  our  favourite 
Delille  says  : 

"  Sachez  ce  qui  convient  ou  nuit  au  caractere. 
Un  rednit  ecarte,  dans  un  lieu  solitaire, 
Peint  mieux  la  solitude  encore  et  I'abandon. 
Montrez-vous  done  fidele  a  chaque  expression  ; 
N'allez  pas  au  grand  jour  offrir  un  ermitage  -. 
Ne  cachez  point  un  temple  au  fond  d'un  bois  saiivage." 

Les  Jardins. 

Or  if  certain  objects  are  unavoidably  placed  in  situations 
of  inimical  expression,  the  artist  should  labour  to  alter  the 
character  of  the  locality.  How  much  this  can  be  done  by  the 
proper  choice  of  trees  and  shrubs,  and  the  proper  arrange- 
ment of  plantations,  those  who  have  seen  the  difference  in 
aspect  of  certain  favourite  localities  of  wild  nature,  as  covered 
with  wood,  or  as  denuded  by  the  axe,  can  well  judge. 
And  we  hope  the  amateur,  who  has  made  himself  familiar 
with  the  habits  and  peculiar  expressions  of  different  trees,  as 
pointed  out  in  this  work,  will  not  find  himself  at  a  loss  to 
effect  such  changes,  by  the  aid  of  time,  with  ease  and 
facility. 


Library 
N.   C.   State    College 


APPENDIX. 


Notes  on  transplanting  trees.    Reasons  for  frequent  failures  in  removing  large  trees.    Direc- 
tions for  performing  this  operation.     Selection  of  subjects.     Preparing  trees  for  removal. 

Transplanting  evergreens. 

Theee  is  no  subject  on  which  the  professional  horticulturist  is  more 
frequently  consulted  in  America,  than  transplanting  trees.  And,  as  it 
is  an  essential  branch  of  Landscape  Gardening,  indeed  perhaps  the  most 
important  and  necessary  one  to  be  practically  understood  in  the  improve- 
ment or  embellishment  of  new  country  residences,  we  shall  offer  a  few 
remarks  here,  with  the  hope  of  rendering  it  a  more  easy  and  successful 
practice  in  the  hands  of  amateurs. 

Although  there  are  great  numbers  of  acres  of  beautiful  woods  and 
groves,  the  natural  growth  of  the  soil,  in  most  of  the  older  states,  yet  a 
considerable  portion  of  our  ordinary  country  seats  are  meagerly  clothed 
with  trees,  while  many  beautiful  sites  for  residences  have,  in  past  years, 
been  so  denuded,  that  the  nakedness  of  their  appearance  constitutes  a  se- 
rious objection  to  ihem  as  places  of  residence.  To  be  able,  therefore,  to 
transplant,  from  natural  copses,  trees  of  ten  or  twenty  years  growth,  is  so 
universally  a  desideratum,  that  great  numbers  of  experiments  are  made 
annually  with  this  view  ; — though  few  persons  succeed  in  obtaining  what 
they  desire,  viz.,  the  immediate  effect  of  wood  ;  partly  from  a  want  of 
knowledge  of  the  nature  of  vegetable  physiology,  and  partly  from  mal- 
practice in  the  operation  of  removal  itself. 

When  the  admirably  written  "Planter's  Guide,"  by  Sir  Henry  Steu- 
art,  made  its  appearance  some  ten  years  ago,  not  only  describing  minutely 


444 


APPENDIX. 


the  whole  theory  of  transplanting  nearly  full  grown  trees,  but  placing 
before  its  readers  a  report  of  a  committee  of  the  Highland  Society  of 
Edinburgh  attesting  the  complete  success  of  the  practice,  as  exemplified 
in  the  woods,  copses,  and  groups,  which,  removed  by  the  transplanting 
machine,  beautified  with  their  verdure  and  luxuriance  the  baronet's  own 
park,  the  whole  matter  of  transplanting  was  apparently  cleared  up,  and 
numbers  of  individuals  in  this  country,  with  sanguine  hopes  of  success, 
set  about  the  removal  of  large  forest  trees. 

Of  the  numerous  trials  made  upon  this  method,  with  trees  of  extra  size, 
we  have  known  but  a  very  few  instances  of  even  tolerable  success.  This 
is  no  doubt  owing  partly  to  the  want  of  care  and  skill  in  the  practical 
part  of  the  process, — but  mainly  to  the  ungenial  nature  of  our  climate. 

The  climate  of  Scotland  during  four  fifths  of  the  year,  is  in  some  re- 
spects the  exact  opposite  of  that  of  the  United  States.  An  atmosphere, 
which  for  full  nine  months  of  the  twelve,  is  copiously  charged  with  fogs, 
mist,  and  dampness,  may  undoubtedly  be  considered  as  the  most  favour- 
able in  the  world,  for  restoring  the  weakened  or  impaired  vital  action  of 
large  transplanted  trees.  In  this  country,  on  the  contrary,  the  dry  at- 
mosphere, and  constant  evaporation  under  the  brilliant  sun  of  our  sum- 
mers, are  most  important  obstacles  with  which  the  transplanter  has  to 
contend,  and  which  render  complete  success  so  much  more  difficult  here 
than  in  Scotland.  And  we  would  therefore  rarely  attempt  in  this  country 
the  extensive  removal  of  trees  larger  than  twenty  feet  in  height.  When 
of  the  size  of  fifteen  feet  they  are  sufiiciently  large  to  produce  very  consider- 
able immediate  effect,  while  they  are  not  so  large  as  to  be  costly  or 
very  difficult  to  remove,  or  to  suffer  greatly  by  the  change  of  position  like 
older  ones. 

The  great  want  of  success  in  transplanting  trees  of  moderate  size  in  this 
country  arises,  as  we  conceive,  mainly  from  two  causes  ;  the  first,  a  want 
of  skill  in  performing  the  operation,  arising  chiefly  from  ignorance  of  the 
nature  of  the  vital  action  of  plants,  in  roots,  branches,  etc.,  and  the 
second,  a  bad  or  improper  selection  of  subjects  on  which  the  operation 
is  to  be  performed.  Either  of  these  causes  would  account  for  bad  suc- 
cess in  removals  ;  and  where,  as  is  frequently  the  case,  both  are  com- 
bined, total  failure  can  scarcely  be  a  matter  of  surprise  to  those  really 
familiar  with  the  matter. 

An  uninformed  spectator,  who  should  witness  for  the  first  time  the  re- 


APPENDIX.  445 

moval  of  a  forest  tree,  as  ordinarily  performed  by  many  persons,  would 
scarcely  suppose  that  any.  thing  beyond  mere  physical  strength  was  re- 
quired. Commencing  as  near  the  tree  as  possible,  cutting  off  many  of 
the  roots,  with  the  very  smallest  degree  of  reluctance,  wrenching  the 
remaining  mass  out  of  their  bed  as  speedily  and  almost  as  roughly  as 
possible,  the  operator  hastens  to  complete  his  destructive  process  by 
cutting  off  the  best  part  of  the  head  of  the  tree,  to  make  it  correspond 
with  the  reduced  state  of  the  roots.  Arrived  at  the  hole  prepared  for  its 
reception,  his  replanting  consists  in  shoveling  in,  while  the  tree  is  held 
upright,  the  surrounding  soil, — paying  little  or  no  regard  to  filling  up  all 
the  small  interstices  among  the  roots, — and  finally,  after  treading  the 
earth  as  hard  as  possible,  completing  the  whole  by  pouring  two  or  three 
pails  of  water  upon  the  top  of  the  ground.  How  any  reflecting  person, 
who  looks  upon  a  plant  as  a  delicately  organized  individual,  can  reasona- 
bly expect  or  hope  for  success  after  such  treatment  in  transplanting,  is 
what  we  never  could  fully  understand  !  And  it  has  always,  therefore, 
appeared  pretty  evident,  that  all  such  operators  must  have  very  crude 
and  imperfect  notions  of  vegetable  physiology,  or  the  structure  and 
functions  of  plants. 

The  first  and  most  important  consideration  in  transplanting  should  be 
the  preservation  of  the  roots.  By  this  we  do  not  mean  a  certain  bulk  of 
the  larger  and  more  important  ones  only,  but  as  far  as  possible  all  the 
numerous  small  fibres  and  rootlets  so  indispensably  necessary  in  assist- 
ing the  tree  to  recover  from  the  shock  of  removal.  The  coarser  and 
larger  roots  serve  to  secure  the  tree  in  its  position  and  convey  the  fluids, 
but  it  is  by  means  of  the  small  fibrous  roots,  or  the  delicate  and  nume- 
rous points  of  these  fibres  called  spongioles,  that  the  food  of  plants  is 
imbibed,  and  the  destruction  of  such  is,  manifestly,  in  the  highest  de- 
gree fatal  to  the  success  of  the  transplanted  tree.  To  avoid  this  as  far  as 
practicable,  we  should,  in  removing  a  tree,  commence  at  such  a  distance 
as  to  include  a  circumference  large  enough  to  comprise  the  great  majori- 
ty of  the  roots.  At  that  distance  from  the  trunk  we  shall  find  most  of 
the  smaller  roots,  which  should  be  carefully  loosened  from  the  soil,  with 
as  little  injury  as  possible  ;  the  earth  should  be  gently  and  gradually 
removed  from  the  larger  roots,  as  we  proceed  onward  from  the  extremity 
of  the  circle  to  the  centre,  and  when  we  reach  the  nucleus  of  roots  sur- 
rounding the  trunk,  and  fairly  undermine  the  whole,  we  shall  find  our- 


446  APPENDIX. 

eelves  in  possession  of  a  tree  in  such  a  perfect  condition,  that  even  when 
of  considerable  size,  we  may  confidently  hope  for  a  speedy  recovery  of 
its  former  luxuriance  after  being  replanted. 

Now  to  remove  a  tree  in  this  manner,  requires  not  only  a  considerable 
degree  of  experience,  which  is  only  to  be  acquired  by  practice,  but  also 
much  patience  and  per  sever  a7ice  whWe  engaged  in  the  work.  It  is  not  a 
difficult  task  to  remove,  in  a  careless  manner,  four  or  five  trees  in  a  day, 
of  fifteen  feet  in  height,  by  the  assistance  of  three  or  four  men  and  proper 
implements  of  removal ;  while  one  or  two  trees  only  can  be  removed  if 
the  roots  and  branches  are  preserved  entire  or  nearly  so.  Yet  in  the  lat- 
ter case,  if  the  work  be  well  performed,  we  shall  have  the  satisfaction  of 
beholding  the  subjects,  when  removed,  soon  taking  fresh  root,  and  becom- 
ing vigorous  healthy  trees  with  fine  luxuriant  heads  ;  while  three-fourths 
of  the  former  will  most  probably  perish,  and  the  remainder  struggle  for 
several  years,  under  the  loss  of  so  large  a  portion  of  their  roots  and 
branches,  before  they  entirely  recover  and  put  on  the  appearance  of 
handsome  trees. 

When  a  tree  is  carelessly  transplanted,  and  the  roots  much  mutilated, 
the  operator  feels  obliged  to  reduce  the  top  accordingly  ;  as  experience 
teaches  him,  that  although  the  leaves  may  expand,  yet  they  will  soon 
perish  without  a  fresh  supply  of  food  from  the  roots.  But  when  the 
largest  portion  of  th|  roots  are  carefully  taken  up  with  the  tree,  pruning 
may  be  nearly  or  entirely  dispensed  with,  and  thus  the  original  symmetry 
and  beauty  of  the  head  retained.  When  this  is  the  case,  the  leaves 
contribute  as  much,  by  their  peculiar  action  in  elaborating  the  sap, 
towards  re-establishing  the  tree,  as  the  roots  ;  and  indeed  the  two  act  so 
reciprocally  with  each  other,  that  any  considerable  injury  to  the  one, 
always  afiects  the  other.  "  The  functions  of  respiration,  perspiration, 
and  digestion,"  says  Professor  Lindley,  "which  are  the  particular  offices 
of  leaves,  are  essential  to  the  health  of  a  plant :  its  healthiness  being  in 
proportion  to  the  degree  in  which  these  functions  are  duly  performed. 
The  leaf  is  in  reality  a  natural  contrivance  for  exposing  a  large  surface 
to  the  influence  of  external  agents,  by  whose  assistance  the  crude  sap  con- 
tained in  the  stem  is  altered  and  rendered  suitable  to  the  particular  wants 
of  the  species,  and  for  returning  into  the  general  circulation,  the  fluids 
in  their  matured  condition.    In  a  word,  the  leaf  of  a  plant  is  its  lungs  and 


APPENDIX.  447 

stomach  traversed  by  a  system  of  veins,"*  All  the  prunning,  therefore, 
that  is  necessary,  vi^hen  a  tree  is  properly  transplanted,  will  be  comprised 
in  paring  smooth  all  bruises,  or  accidental  injuries,  received  by  the  roots 
or  branches  during  the  operation,  or  the  removal  of  a  few  that  may 
interfere  with  elegance  of  form  in  the  head. 

Next  in  importance  to  the  requisite  care  in  performing  the  operation  of 
transplanting,  is  the  proper  dioice  of  indimdul  trees  to  he  transplanted.  In 
making  selections  for  removal  among  our  fine  forest  trees,  it  should 
never  be  forgotten  that  there  are  two  distinct  kinds  of  subjects  even  of 
the  same  species  of  every  tree,  viz  :  those  that  grow  among  and  sur- 
rounded by  other  trees  or  woods,  and  those  which  grow  alone,  in  free 
open  exposures,  where  they  are  acted  upon  by  the  winds,  storms,  and 
sunshine,  at  all  times  and  seasons.  The  former  class  it  will  always  be 
exceedingly  difficult  to  transplant  successfully,  even  with  the  greatest 
care  ;  while  the  latter  may  always  be  removed  with  comparatively  little 
risk  of  failure. 

Any  one  who  is  at  all  familiar  with  the  growth  of  trees  in  woods  or 
groves  somewhat  dense,  is  also  aware  of  the  great  difference  in  the  ex- 
ternal appearance  between  such  trees  and  those  which  stand  singly  in 
open  spaces.  In  thick  woods,  trees  are  found  to  have  tall,  slender  trunks 
with  comparatively  few  branches  except  at  the  top,  smooth  and  thin  bark, 
and  they  are  scantily  provided  with  roots,  but  especially  with  the  small 
fibres  so  essentially  necessary  to  insure  the  growth  of  the  tree  when 
transplanted.  Those,  on  the  other  hand,  which  stand  isolated,  have 
short  thick  stems,  numerous  branches,  thick  bark  and  a  great  abundance 
of  root  and  small  fibres.  The  latter,  accustomed  to  the  full  influence  of 
the  weather,  to  cold  winds,  as  well  as  open  sunshine,  have,  what  Sir 
Henry  Steuart  has  aptly  denominated,  the  "protecting  properties"  well 
developed  :  being  robust  and  hardy,  they  are  well  calculated  to  endure 
the  violence  of  the  removal,  while  trees  growing  in  the  midst  of  a  wood, 
sheltered  from  the  tempests  by  their  fellows,  and  scarcely  ever  receiving 
the  sun  and  air  freely  except  at  their  topmost  branches,  are  too  feeble 
to  withstand  the  change  of  situation,  when  removed  to  an  open  lawn, 
even  when  they  are  carefully  transplanted. 

"  Of  trees  in  open  exposures,"  says  Sir  Henry,  "  we  find  that  their 

*  Theory  of  florticulture. 


448  APPENDIX. 

peculiar  properties  contribute,  in  a  remarkable  manner,  to  their  health 
and  prosperity.  In  the  first  place,  their  shortness  and  greater  girth  of 
stem,  in  contradistinction  to  others  in  the  interior  of  woods,  are  obviously 
intended  to  give  to  the  former  greater  strength  to  resist  the  winds,  and 
a  shorter  lever  to  act  upon  the  roots.  Secondly,  their  larger  heads,  with 
spreading  branches,  in  consequence  of  the  free  access  of  light,  are  as 
plainly  formed  for  the  nourishment,  as  well  as  the  balancing  of  so  large 
a  trunk,  and  also  for  furnishing  a  cover  to  shield  it  from  the  elements. 
Thirdly,  their  superior  thickness  and  induration  of  bark  is,  in  like  man- 
ner, bestowed  for  the  protection  of  the  sap-vessels,  that  lie  immediately 
under  it,  and  which,  without  such  defence  from  cold,  could  not  perform 
their  functions.  Fourthly,  their  greater  number  and  variety  of  roots  are 
for  the  double  purpose  of  nourishment  and  strength ;  nourishment  to 
support  a  mass  of  such  magnitude,  and  strength  to  contend  with  the 
fury  of  the  blast.  Such  are  the  obvious  purposes  for  which  the  unvary- 
ing characteristics  of  trees  in  open  exposures  are  conferred  upon  them. 
Nor  are  they  conferred  equally  and  indiscriminately  upon  all  trees  so 
situated.  They  seem,  by  the  economy  of  nature,  to  be  peculiar  adapta- 
tions to  the  circumstances  and  wants  of  each  individual,  uniformly  be- 
stowed in  the  ratio  of  exposure,  greater  where  that  is  more  conspicuous 
and  uniformly  decreasing,  as  it  becomes  less."* 

Trees  in  which  the  protecting  properties  are  well  developed  are  fre- 
quently to  be  met  with  on  the  skirts  of  woods  :  but  those  standing  singly 
here  and  there  through  the  cultivated  fields  and  meadows  of  our  farm 
lands,  where  the  roots  have  extended  themselves  freely  in  the  mellow  soil, 
are  the  finest  subjects  for  removal  into  the  lawn,  park,  or  pleasure- 
ground. 

The  machine  used  in  removing  trees  of  moderate  size  is  of  simple  con- 
struction ;  consisting  of  a  pair  of  strong  wheels  about  five  feet  high,  a 
stout  axle,  and  a  pole  about  twelve  feet  long.  In  transplanting,  the 
wheels  and  axle  are  brought  close  to  the  trunk  of  the  tree,  the  pole  is 
firmly  lashed  to  the  stem,  and  when  the  soil  is  sufficiently  removed  and 
loosened  about  the  roots,  the  pole,  with  the  tree  attached,  is  drawn  down  to 
a  horizontal  position,  by  the  aid  of  men  and  a  pair  of  horses.  When  the 
tree  is  thus  drawn  out  of  the  hole,  it  is  well  secured  and  properly  ba- 
lanced upon  the  machine,  the  horses  are  fastened  in  front  of  the  mass  of 

*  The  Planter's  Guide,  p.  105. 


APPENDIX.  44& 

roots  by  gearings  attached  to  the  axle,  and  the  whole  is  transported  to 
the  destined  location. 

In  order  more  effectually  to  insure  the  growth  of  large  specimens  when 
transplanted,  a  mode  of  preparing  beforehand  a  supply  of  young  roots,  is 
practised  by  skilful  operators.  This  consists  in  removing  the  top  soil, 
partially  undermining  the  tree,  and  shortening  back  many  of  the  roots  ; 
and  afterwards  replacing  the  former  soil  by  rich  mould  or  soil  well  ma- 
nured. This  is  suffered  to  remain  at  least  one  year,  and  often  three  or 
four  years  ;  the  tree,  stimulated  by  tlie  fresh  supply  of  food,  throws  out  an 
abundance  of  small  fibres,  which  render  success,  when  the  time  for  re- 
moval arrives,  comparatively  certain. 

It  may  be  well  to  remark  here,  that  before  large  trees  are  transplanted 
into  their  final  situations,  the  latter  should  be  well  prepared  by  trench- 
ing, or  digging  the  soil  two  to  three  feet  deep ;  intermingling  throughout 
the  whole  a  liberal  portion  of  well  decomposed  manure,  or  rich  compost. 
To  those  who  are  in  the  habit  of  planting  trees  of  any  size  in  unpre- 
pared ground,  or  that  merely  prepared  by  digging  one  spit  deep  and 
turning  in  a  little  surface  manure,  it  is  inconceivable  how  much  more 
rapid  is  the  growth,  and  how  astonishingly  luxuriant  the  appearance  of 
trees  when  removed  into  ground  properly  prepared.  It  is  not  too  much 
to  affirm,  that  young  trees  under  favourable  circumstances, — in  soil  so 
prepared, — will  advance  more  rapidly  and  attain  a  larger  stature  in  eight 
years,  than  those  planted  in  the  ordinary  way,  without  deepening  the  soil, 
will  in  twenty ;  and  trees  of  larger  size  in  proportion, — a  gain  of  growth 
surely  worth  the  trifling  expense  incurred  in  the  first  instance.  And 
the  same  observation  will  apply  to  all  planting.  A  little  extra  labour 
and  cost  expended  in  preparing  the  soil  will,  for  a  long  time,  secure  a 
surprising  rapidity  of  growth. 

In  the  actual  planting  of  the  tree,  the  chief  point  lies  in  bringing 
every  small  fibre  in  contact  with  the  soil,  so  that  no  hollows  or  inter- 
stices are  left,  which  may  produce  mouldiness  and  decay  of  the  roots. 
To  avoid  this  the  soil  must  be  pulverized  with  the  spade  before  filling  in, 
and  one  of  the  workmen,  with  his  hands  and  a  flat  dibble  of  wood, 
should  fill  up  all  cavities,  and  lay  out  the  small  roots  before  covering 
them  in  their  natural  position.  When  watering  is  thought  advisable, 
(and  we  practice  it  almost  invariably,)  it  should  always  be  done  while 
the  planting  is  going  forward.     Poured  in  the  hole  when  the  roots  are 

57 


450  APPENDIX. 

just  covered  with  soil,  it  serves  to  settle  the  loose  earth  compactly 
around  the  various  roots,  and  thus  both  furnishes  a  supply  of  moisture, 
and  brings  the  pulverized  mould  in  proper  contact  for  growth.  Trees 
well  watered  when  planted  in  this  way,  will  rarely  require  it  afterwards; 
and  should  they  do  so,  the  better  way  is  to  remove  two  or  three  inches 
of  the  top  soil,  and  give  the  lower  stratum  a  copious  supply  ;  when,  the 
water  having  been  absorbed,  the  surface  should  again  be  replaced. 
There  is  no  practice  more  mischievous  to  newly  moved  trees,  than 
that  of  pouring  water,  during  hot  weather,  upon  the  surface  of  the  ground 
above  the  roots.  Acted  upon  by  the  sun  and  wind,  this  surface  becomes 
baked,  and  but  little  water  reaches  the  roots  ;  or  just  sufficient  perhaps 
to  afford  a  momentary  stimulus,  to  be  followed  by  increased  sensibility 
to  the  parching  drought. 

With  respect  to  the  proper  seasons  for  transplanting,  we  may  remark 
that,  except  in  extreme  northern  latitude,  autumn  planting  is  generally 
preferred  for  large,  hardy,  deciduous  trees.  It  may  commence  as  soon  as 
the  leaves  fall,  and  may  be  continued  until  winter.  In  planting  large 
trees  in  spring,  we  should  commence  as  early  as  possible,  to  give  them 
the  benefit  of  the  April  rains  ;  if  it  should  be  deferred  to  a  later  period, 
the  trees  will  be  likely  to  suffer  greatly  by  the  hot  summer  sun  before 
they  are  well  established. 

The  transplanting  of  ererg'reens  is  generally  considered  so  much  more 
difficult  than  that  of  deciduous  trees,  and  so  many  persons  who  have 
tolerable  success  in  the  latter,  fail  in  the  former,  that  we  may  perhaps 
be  expected  to  point  out  the  reason  of  these  frequent  failures. 

Most  of  our  horticultural  maxims  are  derived  from  English  authors,  and 
among  them,  that  of  always  planting  evergreens  either  in  August,  or  late 
in  autumn.  At  both  these  seasons,  it  is  nearly  impossible  to  succeed  in 
the  temperate  portions  of  the  United  States,  from  the  different  character 
ofvour  climate  at  these  seasons.  The  genial  moisture  of  the  English 
climate,  renders  transplanting  comparatively  easy  at  all  seasons,  but 
especially  in  v^inter ;  while  in  this  country,  our  Augusts  are  dry  and 
hot,  and  our  winters  generally  dry  and  cold.  If  planted  in  the  latter  part 
of  summer,  evergreens  become  parched  in  their  foliage,  and  soon  perish. 
If  planted  in  autumn  or  early  winter,  the  severe  cold  that  ensues,  to 
which  the  newly  disturbed  plant  is  peculiarly  alive,  paralyzes  vital 
action,  and  the  tree  is  so  much  enfeebled  that,  when  spring  arrives,  it 


APPENDIX.  451 

survives  but  a  short  period.  The  only  period,  therefore,  that  remains 
for  the  successful  removal  of  evergreens  here,  is  the  spring.  When 
planted  as  eariy  as  practicable  in  the  spring,  so  as  to  have  the  full  bene- 
fit of  the  abundant  rains  so  beneficial  to  vegetation  at  that  season,  they 
will  almost  immediately  protrude  nevp-  shoots,  and  regain  their  former 
vigour. 

Evergreens  are,  in  their  roots,  much  more  delicate  and  impatient  of 
dryness  than  deciduous  trees  ;  and  this  should  be  borne  in  mind  while 
transplanting  them.  For  this  reason,  experienced  planters  always 
choose  a  w^et  or  misty  day  for  their  removal ;  and,  in  dry  weather,  we 
would  always  recommend  the  roots  to  be  kept  watered  and  covered 
from  the  air  by  mats  during  transportation.  When  proper  regard  is 
paid  to  this  point,  and  to  judicious  selection  of  the  season,  evergreens 
will  not  be  found  more  difficult  of  removal  than  other  trees. 

Another  mode  of  transplanting  large  evergreens,  which  is  very  success- 
fully practised  among  us,  is  that  of  removing  them  with  frozen  balls  of 
earth  in  mid-winter.  When  skilfully  performed,  it  is  perhaps  the 
most  complete  of  all  modes,  and  is  so  different  from  the  common  method, 
that  the  objection  we  have  just  made  to  winter  planting,  does  not  apply 
to  this  case.  The  trees  to  be  removed  are  selected,  the  situations  chosen, 
and  the  holes  dug,  while  the  ground  is  yet  open  in  autumn.  When  the 
ground  is  somewhat  frozen,  the  operator  proceeds  to  dig  a  trench  around 
the  tree  at  some  distance,  gradually  undermining  it,  and  leaving  all  the 
principal  mass  of  roots  embodied  in  the  ball  of  earth.  The  whole  ball  is 
then  left  to  freeze  pretty  thoroughly,  (generally  till  snow  covers  the 
ground,)  when  a  large  sled  drawn  by  oxen,  is  brought  as  near  as  possible, 
the  ball  of  earth  containing  the  tree  rolled  upon  it,  and  the  whole  is 
easily  transported  to  the  hole  previously  prepared,  where  it  is  placed  in 
the  proper  position  ;  and  as  soon  as  the  weather  becomes  mild,  the  earth 
is  properly  filled  in  around  the  ball.  A  tree,  either  evergreen  or  decidu- 
ous, may  be  transplanted  in  this  way,  so  as  scarcely  to  show,  at  the  return 
of  growth,  any  ill  effects  from  its  change  of  location. 


II. 

Description  of  an  English  Suburban  residence,  Cheshttnt  Cottage.  With  views  and  plans 
showing  the  arrangement  of  the  house  and  grounds.  And  the  mode  of  managing  the  whole 
premises. 

[The  following  description  of  an  interesting  suburban  residence  near 


452 


APPENDIX. 


London,  with  the  numerous  engravings  illustrating  it,  has  been  kindly 
furnished  us  for  this  work  by  J.  C.  Loudon,  Esq.  It  was  originally  pub- 
lished in  his  "  Gardener's  Magazine,"  and  affords  an  admirable  illustra- 
tion of  this  class  of  residences :  showing  what  may  be  done,  and  how 
much  beauty  and  enjoyment  realized,  on  a  comparatively  limited  space 
of  ground.] 

Cheshunt  Cottage,  the  Residence  of  Wm.  Harrison,  Esq. 

F.  L.  S.   ETC. 

"  All  that  can  render  a  country  seat  delightful,  and  a  well  furnished  library  in  the  house." 
(Evelyn's  Memoirs  by  Bray,  vol.  i.  p.  432.) 

The  sides  of  the  road  from  London  to  Cheshunt,  by  Stoke  Newington, 
Edmonton,  and  Enfield  Wash,  are  thickly  studded  with  suburban  houses 
and  gardens  the  whole  distance  :  but,  by  going  straight  on  through  the 
Ball's  Pond  Turnpike,  and  taking  the  country  road  leading  out  of  Newing- 


iVom  the  Road.] 


ton  Green,  called  the  Green  Lanes,  between  the  Tottenham  and  Edmon- 
ton road  and  the  Barnet  Road,  and  threading  our  way  through  numerous 
interesting  lanes,  we  may  pass  through  very  rural  and  umbrageous 
scenery,  with  the  appearance  of  but  few  houses  of  any  kind.  Indeed,  it  ■ 
may  be  mentioned  as  one  of  the  most  remarkable  circumstances  in  the 
state  of  the  country  in  the  neighbourhood  of  London,  that,  while  all  the 


APPENDIX. 


453 


454 


APPENDIX. 


main  roads  are  bordered  by  houses  for  some  miles  from  town,  so  as  almost 
to  resemble  streets,  there  are  tracts  which  lie  between  the  main  roads, 
and  quite  near  town,  which  have  undergone  little  or  no  change  in  the 
nature  of  their  occupation  for  several,  and  apparently  many,  generations  ; 
at  all  events,  not  since  the  days  of  Queen  Elizabeth.  The  tracts  of 
country  to  which  we  allude  are  in  pasture  or  meadow,  with  crooked  ir- 
regular hedges,  numerous  stiles  and  footpaths,  and  occasional  houses  by 
the  roadsides  ;  the  farms  characterized  by  large  hay-barns.  Scenery  of 
this  kind  is  never  seen  by  the  citizen  who  goes  to  his  country  seat  along 
the  public  road,  in  his  family  carriage  or  in  a  stage-coach  ;  and  it  is  ac- 
cordingly only  known  to  pedestrians,  and  such  as  are  not  afraid  of  driving 
their  horses  over  rough  roads,  or  meeting  wagons  or  hay-carts  in  narrow 
lanes.  The  road  through  the  Green  Lanes  to  Enfield  is  an  excellent 
turnpike  road,  always  in  a  good  state,  with  occasional  villas  near  Bour 
Farm  and  Palmer's  Green  ;  and  near  Enfield,  at  Forty  Hill,  there  is  a 
handsome  church,  built  and  endowed  by  Mr.  Myers,  opposite  to  his  park, 
which  is  filled  with  large  and  handsome  trees.  Afterwards  it  passes  the 
celebrated  park  of  Theobalds,  near  where  formerly  stood  a  royal  palace, 
the  favourite  residence  of  James  I.,  and  winds  in  the  most  agreeable  and 
picturesque  manner  under  the  shade  of  overhanging  trees.  Having  made 
several  turns,  it  leads  to  a  lane  with  a  brook  which  runs  parallel  to  the 
road,  a  foot-bridge  across  which  forms  the  entrance  to  Mr.  Harrison's 
cottage,  as  exhibited  in  the  view  Fig.  1. 

The  ground  occupied  by  Mr.  Harrison's  cottage  and  gardens  is  about 
seven  acres,  exclusive  of  two  adjoining  grass  fields.  The  grounds  lie 
entirely  on  one  side  of  the  house,  as  shown  in  the  plan.  Fig.  13,  in  pp. 
476,  477.  The  surface  of  the  whole  is  flat,  and  nothing  is  seen  in  the 
horizon  in  any  direction  but  distant  trees.  The  beauties  of  the  place,  to 
a  stranger  at  his  first  glance,  appear  of  the  quiet  and  melancholy  kind,  as 
shown  in  the  Figs.  2,  3  ;  the  one  looking  to  the  right  from  the  drawing- 
room  window  and  the  other  to  the  left :  but,  upon  a  nearer  examination 
by  a  person  conversant  with  the  subjects  of  botany  and  gardening,  and 
knowing  in  what  rural  comfort  consists,  these  views  will  be  found  to  be 
full  of  intense  interest,  and  to  afford  many  instructive  hints  to  the  pos- 
sessors of  suburban  villas  or  cottages. 

In  building  the  house  and  laying  out  the  grounds,  Mr.  Harrison  was 
his  own  architect  and  Landscape  Gardener  ;  not  only  devising  the  gene- 


APPENDIX. 


455 


jiiiiMPiiii'liliTji'yli^kf 

,|1     I'  II       fill  I\'H       '      V«vi.>^^^^ 


456  APPENDIX. 

ral  design,  but  furnishing  working-drawings  of  all  the  details  of  the  inte- 
rior of  the  cottage.  His  reason  for  fixing  on  the  present  situation  for  the 
house  was,  the  vicinity  (the  grounds  joining)  of  a  house  and  walk  be- 
longing to  a  relation  of  his  late  wife.  This  circumstance  is  mentioned 
as  accounting  in  one  so  fond  of  a  garden,  for  fixing  on  a  spot  which  had 
neither  tree  nor  shrub  in  it  when  he  first  inhabited  it.  Mr.  Harrison  in- 
forms us,  and  we  record  it  for  the  use  of  amateurs  commencing,  or  ex- 
tending, or  improving  gardens,  that  he  commenced  his  operations  about 
thirty  years  ago,  by  purchasing,  at  a  large  nursery  sale,  large  lots  of  ever- 
greens, not  6  inch,  high,  in  beds  of  one  hundred  each,  such  as  laurels,  Por- 
tugal laurels,  laurustinuses,  bays,  hollies,  &c.  ;  with  many  lots  of  decid- 
uous trees,  in  smaller  numbers,  which  he  planted  in  a  nursery  on  his  own 
ground  ;  and  at  intervals,  as  he  from  time  to  time  extended  his  garden, 
he  took  out  every  second  plant,  which,  with  occasional  particular  trees 
and  shrubs  from  nursery  grounds,  constituted  a  continual  supply  for  im- 
provement  and  extension.  This,  with  the  hospital  ground  mentioned 
hereafter,  furnished  the  means  of  extensions  and  improvements  at  no 
other  expense  than  labour,  which,  when  completed,  gave  the  place  the 
appearance  of  an  old  garden  ;  the  plants  being  larger  than  could  be  ob- 
tained, or,  if  obtained,  safely  transplanted,  from  nurseries.  This  is  an 
important  consideration,  in  addition  to  that  of  economy,  well  worth  the 
attention  of  amateur  improvers  of  grounds  or  gardens. 

By  inspecting  the  plan.  Fig.  4,  it  will  be  found  that  the  house  contains, 
on  the  ground  floor,  three  good  living  rooms,  and  two  other  rooms  (n  and 
g)  particularly  appropriate  to  the  residence  of  an  amateur  fond  of  botany 
and  gardening  ;  and  that  it  is  replete  with  every  description  of  accomo- 
dation and  convenience  requisite  for  the  enjoyment  of  all  the  comforts 
and  luxuries  that  a  man  of  taste  can  desire  for  himself  or  his  friends. 

In  laying  out  the  grounds,  the  first  object  was  to  insure  agricultural 
and  gardening  comforts  ;  and  hence  the  completeness  of  the  farm-yard, 
and  of  the  hot-house  and  frame  departments,  as  exhibited  in  the  plan, 
Fig.  6.  On  the  side  of  the  grounds  opposite  to  the  hot-houses  and  flower- 
garden  are  the  kitchen-garden  and  orchard  ;  and  though  in  most  situa- 
tions it  would  have  been  more  convenient  to  have  had  the  farm  buildings, 
the  kitchen  garden,  and  the  hot-houses  on  the  same  side  as  the  kitchen 
offices,  yet  in  this  case  no  inconvenience  results  from  their  separation  ;  be- 
cause the  public  road,  as  will  be  seen  by  the  plan,  Fig.  13,  forms  a  ready 


APPENDIX. 


457 


4S8  APPENDIX. 

medium  of  communication  between  them,  in  cases  in  which  the  commu- 
nication through  the  ornamented  ground  would  be  unsightly  or  inconve- 
nient. In  arranging  the  pleasure-ground,  the  great  object,  as  in  all  simi- 
lar cases,  was  to  introduce  as  much  variety  as  could  be  conveniently 
done  in  a  comparatively  limited  space.  This  has  been  effected  chiefly, 
by  distributing  over  the  lawn  a  collection  of  trees  and  shrubs  ;  by  form- 
ing a  small  piece  of  water,  and  disposing  of  the  earth  excavated  into  hilly 
inequalities  ;  and  by  walks  leading  to  different  points  of  view,  indicated 
by  different  kinds  of  covered  seats  or  garden  structures.  In  conducting 
the  walks,  and  distributing  the  trees  and  shrubs,  considerable  skill  and 
taste  have  been  displayed  in  concealing  the  distant  walks,  and  those 
which  cross  the  lawn  in  different  directions,  from  the  windows  of  the 
living-rooms  ;  and  also  in  never  showing  any  walk  but  the  one  which  is 
being  walked  on,  to  a  spectator  making  the  circuit  of  the  grounds. 

Before  we  enter  into  further  details,  we  shall  describe,  first,  the  plan  of 
the  house  ;  secondly,  that  of  the  farm  and  garden  offices  and  tlie  hot- 
houses ;  and,  thirdly,  the  general  plan  of  the  grounds. 

The  house,  in  its  external  form  and  interior  arrangement,  is  to  be  con- 
sidered as  a  cottage,  or  rather  as  a  villa  assuming  a  cottage  character. 
Hence,  the  centre  part  of  the  house,  over  the  dining  and  drawing-rooms, 
appears  from  the  elevation  of  the  entrance  front,  to  be  only  two  stories 
high.  There  is,  however,  a  concealed  story  over  part  of  the  offices,  for 
servants'  bedrooms. 

The  house  of  which  Fig.  4,  is  an  enlarged  plan,  consists  of  : 
a,  The  porch,  entered  from  a  bridge  thrown  across  the  brook,  4,  as  shown 

in  Fig.  4. 
b  b,  Passage  from  which  are  seen  the  stairs  to  the  bedrooms ;  and  in  which, 
at  ii,  there  is  a  jib-door  and  a  ventilating  window,   to  prevent  the 
possibility  of  the  smell  from  the  kitchen  or  offices,  or  water-closet, 
penetrating  to  the  other  parts  of  the  passage. 

c,  Recess  for  coats,  hats,  etc.,  fitted  up  with  a  hat  and  umbrella-stand, 
tables,  etc. 

d,  drawing-room,  with  a  recess  at  the  further  end,  fitted  up  with  a  sofa 
and  a  writing-table. 

e,  Dining-room,  with  a  recess  for  the  largest  sideboard,  and  another  for  a 
smaller  sideboard  and  cellarets. 


APPENDIX. 


459 


/,  Library,  chiefly  lighted  from  the  roof,  but  having  one  window  to  the 
garden,  and  a  glass  door  to  the  porch,  h,  also  looking  into  the  garden, 
and  from  which  the  view,  Fig.  5,  is  obtained.   This  room  is  fitted  up  with 


[Fig.  5.    View  from  tlie  Library  Porch.] 

book-cases  all  round ;  those  on  each  side  of  the  fire-place  being  over 
large  cabinets,  about  4  ft.  6  in.  high,  filled  with  a  collection  of  shells, 
minerals,  and  organic  remains,  etc. ;  and,  to  save  the  space  that  would 
otherwise  be  lost  at  the  angles,  pentagonal  closets  are  formed  there,  in 
which  maps,  and  various  articles  that  cannot  be  conveniently  put  on 
the  regular  book-shelves,  are  kept.  The  doors  to  these  corner  closets 
are  not  more  than  9  in.  in  width,  and  they  are  of  panelled  wainscoat. 
The  shelves  are  fitted  in  front  with  mahogany  double  reeds,  fixing  the 
cloth  which  protects  the  tops  of  the  books,  thus  giving  the  appearance 
of  mahogany. 

g,  Museum  for  specimens  of  minerals  and  other  curiosities,  entered  from 
the  porch,  7;,  and  lighted  from  that  porch  and  from  a  window  in  the  roof. 

h,  Porch  leading  to  the  garden  from  the  library  and  museum. 

t,  Ladies'  water-closet  kept  warm  by  the  heat  from  the  back  of  the 
servants'  hall  fire  ;  the  back  of  the  fire-place  being  a  cast  iron  plate. 
ii,  Jib-door,    h,  Plate-closet. 

I,  Butler's  pantry,  lighted  from  the  roof. 


460  APPENDIX. 

m,  China-closet,  lighted  from  the  roof. 

n,  Room  serving  as  a  passage  between  the  dining-room  and  the  garden, 
and  also  between  the  dining-room  and  the  water-closet  i,  containing  a 
turning- lathe,  a  carpenter's  work  bench,  a  complete  set  of  carpenters' 
tools,  garden  tools  for  pruning,  etc.,  of  all  sorts  ;  spuds  with  handles, 
graduated  with  feet  and  inches,  fishing  tackle,  archery  articles,  etc. 

0,  Inner  wine-cellar,  where  the  principal  stock  of  wine  is  kept.  There  is 
a  ventilating  opening  from  this  cellar  into  the  passage  6. 

f,  Servants'  hall, 

q,  Outer  wine-cellar,  where  the  wine  given  out  weekly  for  use  is  placed, 
and  entered  in  the  butler's  book.  Between  q  and  the  passage  6,  are 
seen  the  stairs  leading  to  the  servants'  bedrooms,    r.  Beer-cellar. 

s,  Kitchen,  lighted  from  the  roof,  and  from  a  window  on  one  side. 

ss,  Scullery,  lighted  from  one  side,  t,  Housekeeper's  closet,  u.  Coal- 
cellar,  r,  Larder.  2i),  Bottle  rack,  a:.  Safe  for  cold  meat.  ?/>  Wash- 
house. 

z.  Knife-house,     c^,  filtering  apparatus.     1,  Ash-pit.    2,  Coal-house. 

3,  Fire-place  to  the  vinery  at  10,  in  the  kitchen-garden  9. 

4  4,  Brook.    5  5,  Public  road.    6,  Kitchen-court. 

7,  Concealed  path  to  gentleipen's  water-closet. 

8,  Plantation  of  evergreens.    9,  Kitchen-garden. 
10,  Vinery.     11,  House  servants'  water-closet. 
12,  Servants'  entrance. 

Though  it  cannot  be  said  that  the  arrangement  of  the  offices  of  this 
house  is  so  good  as  it  would  be,  if  they  were  placed  on  each  side  of  a 
straight  passage  ;  yet  it  will  not  be  denied,  that  these  offices  include 
every  thing  that  is  desirable  for  comfort  and  even  luxury.  The  chief 
difficulty  which  occurs  to  a  stranger,  in  looking  at  the  plan,  is,  to  dis- 
cover how  several  of  the  rooms  which  compose  the  offices  are  lighted ; 
and  this,  it  may  be  necessary  to  state,  is  chiefly  effected  from  the  roof; 
a  mode  which,  in  the  case  of  some  rooms,  such  as  a  butler's  pantry,  china- 
closet,  plate-room,  etc.,  is  to  be  preferred  ;  but  which  in  most  cases  it  is 
desirable  to  avoid. 

The  three  windows  to  the  three  principal  rooms  being  on  the  same  side 
of  the  house,  and  adjoining  each  other,  must  necesssrily  have  a  sameness 
of  view  ;  but  the  quiet  character  intended  to  be  produced  by  the  idea  of  a 
cottage  by  a  road  side,  may  be  supposed  to  account  for  circumstances  of 
this  kind,  and  for  various  others. 


APPENDIX.  461 

The  following  are  the  details  of  the  farmyard,  garden  offices,  and  hot- 
houses, as  exhibited  in  Fig.  6  : — 

1,  Rustic  alcove,  forming  a  recess  under  a  thatched  roof,  which  covers 
the  space  from  the  green-house,  3,  to  the  houses  or  yards,  70,  71,  and 
72.  This  rustic  alcove  has  the  floor  paved  with  small  pebbles,  and  the 
sides  and  ceiling  lined  with  young  fir-wood,  with  the  bark  on.  There 
is  a  disguised  door  on  the  right,  which  leads  to  69,  a  house  for  grinding- 
mills  and  other  machines  ;  and  on  the  left,  which  leads  to  2,  the  ship- 
room.  In  the  upper  part  of  the  central  compartment,  in  a  square  re- 
cess fronting  the  entrance,  is  a  white  marble  statue  of  the  Indian  god 
Gaudama,  or  Gaudmia.  Three  Elizabethan  benches,  each  as  long  as 
one  of  the  sides  of  the  alcove,  are  placed  so  as  to  disguise  the  doors. 
The  external  appearance  of  this  alcove  is  shown  in  Fig.  7. 

2,  Ship-room,  paved  with  slate,  and  with  the  walls  finished  in  stucco,  and 
ceiling  with  beams  painted  like  oak,  to  which  are  hung  Indian  spears, 
and  other  curiosities,  and  serving  to  contain  models  of  ships  and  vessels 
of  various  sorts  during  winter.  These  are  placed  on  the  pond  in  the 
summer  season ;  square-rigged  vessels  at  fixed  anchorage,  and  the 
fore-and-aft-rigged  ones,  whose  sails  traverse,  such  as  schooners,  cut- 
ters and  coasting  vessels,  with  cables  of  lengths  to  allow  of  their  sailing 
without  touching  the  edge  of  the  pond  ;  and  these  continue  constantly 
traversing  the  pond  when  there  is  any  wind.  This  room  also  contains 
a  variety  of  the  warlike  instruments  of  the  savages  of  different  coun- 
tries, a  bust  of  Lord  Nelson,  one  of  the  Duke  of  Wellington,  some 
pictures  in  mosaic,  and  a  number  of  East  Indian  curiosities.  It  serves 
also,  as  a  lobby  to  the  orangery. 

3,  The  orangery.  The  paths  are  of  slate,  and  the  centre  bed,  or  pit,  for 
the  orange  trees,  is  covered  with  an  open  wooden  grating,  on  which  are 
placed  the  smaller  pots  ;  while  the  larger  ones,  and  the  boxes  and  tubs, 
are  let  down  through  openings  made  in  the  grating,  as  deep  as  it  may 
be  necessary  for  the  proper  effect  of  the  heads  of  the  trees.  This  house, 
and  that  for  Orchidacese,  are  heated  from  the  boiler  indicated  at  61. 

4,  Orchidaceous  and  fern  house,  in  which  a  is  the  stage  for  Orchidk- 
cese,  and  b  a  cone  of  rockwork,  chiefly  of  vitrified  bricks,  for  ferns. 
These  ferns,  amounting  to  above  two  dozen  species,  all  sprang  up  ac- 
cidentally from  the  soil  attached  to  some  plants  which  were  sent  to  Mr. 
Harrison  from  Rio  Janeiro  and  other  parts  of  South  America.     The 


462 


APPENDIX. 


avay© 


crig.  6.] 


r 


APPENDIX. 


463 


IFig.  6.] 


464  APPENDIX. 

shelves  round  the  house  are  also  occupied  with  Orchidices,  all  of 
which  are  in  pots,  in  order  that,  when  they  come  into  flower,  they 
may  be  removed  to  the  green-house  ;  as,  when  thus  treated,  as  prac- 
tised by  the  Duke  of  Devonshire  at  Chatsworth,  they  continue  much 
longer  in  bloom,  than  when  kept  in  the  degree  of  heat  necessary  for 
their  growth. 
4  c,  Lobby  between  the  orangery  (3)  and  the  conservatory  (5.) 
4  d.  An  aviary  for  canaries,  separated  from  the  conservatory  and  the 
lobby  by  a  wire  grating,  and  from,  the  orchidaceous  house  by  a  wall. 
Both  the  aviary  and  the  lobby  have  a  glass  roof  in  the  same  plane  as 
that  of  the  conservatory,  as  may  be  seen  in  Fig.  8,  in  p.  466.  In  the 
winter  season  the  temperature  of  the  aviary  being  the  same  as  that  of 
the  conservatory,  the  birds  require  little  or  no  care,  except  giving  them 
food  ;  while  they  sing  freely  at  that  season,  and  greatly  enliven  this 
part  of  the  garden  scenery. 
5,  Conservatory,  with  vines  under  the  rafters.  The  walks  are  slate,  the 
shrubs  are  planted  in  a  bed  of  free  soil  edged  with  slate,  and  the  back 
wall  is  covered  with  different  species  of  Passifldra,  and  with  the  Tacsd- 
nia  pinnatistipula. 

6,  Camellia-house.  The  camellias  kept  in  pots  ;  the  rafters  covered  with 
vines,  and  the  back  wall  with  passifl6ras  and  other  climbers.  This 
house,  and  also  5,  are  heated  from  one  boiler,  as  indicated  at  64. 

7,  Geranium-house.  The  roof  is  in  the  ridge  and  furrow  manner  of  Mr. 
Paxton.  This  house,  and  also  8,  9,  and  10,  are  heated  from  the  boiler 
indicated  at  89. 

8,  Botanic  stove.  The  roof  is  in  the  ridge  and  furrow  manner  of  Paxton. 
The  sides  of  the  pit  are  formed  of  slabs  of  slate  ;  and  there  is  a  slate 
box  at  e,  containing  a  plant  of  Musa  Cavendishzi  with  a  spike  of  fruit, 
two  or  three  of  which  ripen  off  weekly.  F.  is  a  cistern  for  stove  aqua- 
tics. There  is  a  plant  of  Brugmansia  suav6lens  (Datura  arbbrea  L.) 
15  ft.  high,  with  a  head  13  ft.  in  diameter.  When  we  saw  it,  Aug. 
10th,  277  blossoms  were  expanded  at  once,  producing  an  effect  upon 
the  spectator  under  the  tree,  when  looking  up,  which  no  language  can 
describe.  Last  year  it  produced  successions  of  blossoms,  in  one  of 
which  600  were  fully  expanded  at  one  time.  This  year  it  has  had 
five  successions  of  blossoms,  and  another  is  now  coming  out  as  the 
plant  expands  in  growth.  There  is  a  large  Brugmansia  coccinea  in 
this  house.    Both  these  plants  are  in  the  free  soil. 


APPENDIX. 


465 


[Fig.  7.    Rustic  Alcove.] 

9,  House  for  Cape  heaths. 

10,  Pinery.  The  roof  of  this  house  is  in  the  ridge  and  furrow  manner, 
in  imitation  of  Mr.  Paxton's  mode  ;  from  which  it  differs,  in  having  the 
ridge  about  one-third  higher  in  proportion  to  the  breadth,  in  having  the 
sash-bar  deeper,  and  placed  at  right  angles  to  the  crown  of  the  ridge 
and  to  the  furrow,  and  in  having  the  panes  of  twice  the  size  which  they 
are  in  Mr.  Paxton's  roof.  This  house  was  built  by  Mr.  Harrison's 
carpenter,  from  the  general  idea  given  to  him  ;  and  before  he  had  been 
to  Chatsworth  to  examine  the  original  house  with  this  kind  of  roof, 
built  there  by  Mr.  Paxton. 

11,  Cucumber-pit,  on  M'Phail's  plan. 

12,  Succession  pine-pit,  also  on  M'Phail's  plan,  in  order  to  be  heated 
with  dung  linings. 

13,  Melon-pit. 

14,  Dutch  cold-pit,  for  preserving  lettuces,  cauliflowers,  etc.,  during 
winter. 

15,  Tool-house  and  potting-shed  ;  the  tools  regularly  hung  on  irons  fixed 
to  the  ceiling,  or  set  against  the  wall,  or  laid  on  shelves,  the  place 
for  each  sort  of  tool  or  implement,  ropes,  etc.,  being  painted  in  large 
white  letters  on  black  boards.  The  following  rules  are  painted  on  a 
board  which  is  hung  up  in  the  tool-house : — 

59 


466 


APPENDIX, 


APPENDIX.  467 

**  Rules  to  be  observed  by  all  persons  working  on  these  Premises,  Master 

and  Men. 

"  I.  For  every  tool  or  implement  of  any  description  not  returned  to  the 
usual  place  at  night,  or  returned  to  a  wrong  place  not  appointed  for  it,  or 
returned  or  hung  up  in  a  dirty  or  unfit  state  for  work,  the  forfeit  is  3d. 

•'  II.  For  every  heap  of  sweepings  or  rakings  left  at  night  uncleared, 
forfeit  Sd. 

"  III.  Every  penson  making  use  of  bad  language  to  any  person  on 
these  premises  shall  forfeit,  for  each  and  every  such  offence,  Gd. 

"  IV.  Every  person  found  drunk  on  these  premises  shall  forfeit  one 
shilling  ;  and,  if  he  be  in  regular  employment  on  the  premises,  he  shall 
ba  suspended  from  his  employment  one  day  for  every  hour  he  loses 
through  drunkenness. 

"V.  Every  person  who  shall  knowingly  conceal  or  screen  any  per- 
son offending,  shall  be  fined  double  the  amount  of  the  fine  for  the  offence 
he  so  conceals,  in  addition  to  the  fine  of  the  offending  party. 

"  VI.  All  forfeits  to  be  paid  to  the  gardener,  on  or  before  the  Saturday 
night  following.  If  any  person  working  regularly  on  the  premises  fail  to 
conform  to  the  above  rules  and  regulations,  the  gardener  shall  be  at 
liberty  to  stop  his  fines  from  his  wages.  Further,  should  any  foreman 
or  journeyman  fail  to  comply  with  the  above  rules  and  regulations  (with 
a  knowledge  of  them,)  the  gardener  shall  be  at  liberty  to  seize  and  sell 
his  tools  or  part  of  them,  to  pay  such  fines,  in  one  month  from  the  time 
the  offence  was  committed. 

"  VII.  All  fines  to  be  expended  in  a  supper,  yearly,  to  all  the  parties 
who  have  been  fined." 

When  these  rules  were  first  adopted,  the  fines  were  sufficient  to  afford 
an  annual  supper,  with  beer,  etc. ;  but  of  late  the  amount  has  been  so 
small,  that  Mr.  Harrison  has  found  it  necessary  to  add  to  it  to  supply  beer, 
etc.,  for  the  supper  ;  a  proof  of  the  excellent  working  of  the  rules.  Mr. 
Harrison  remarks  that  these  rules  were  established  about  eleven  years 
ago,  and  that  they  have  been  most  effective  in  preventing  all  slovenly 
practices  ;  an  advantage  which  he  considers  as  thus  purchased  at  a  very 
cheap  rate. 

16,  Mushrooom-shed,  in  which  the  mushrooms  are  grown  in  Oldacre'a 
manner. 


468  f^i  APPENDIX. 

17,  Wood-yard,  shaded  by  three  elm  trees. 

18  18,  Calf-pens.  19,  Cow-house.  20,  Tool-house. 

21,  Pig'geries. 

22,  23,  24,  Places  for  fattening  poultry,  on  Mowbray's  plan,  not,  as 
usual,  in  coops.     Between  this  and  25,  is  a  privy  for  the  head  gardener. 

25,  Place  for  meat  for  the  pigs,  which  is  passed  through  a  shoot  to  26. 

26,  Two  tanks  sunk  in  the  ground,  covered  with  hinged  flaps,  the  upper 
edges  of  which  lap  under  the  plate  above,  so  as  to  shoot  off  the  rain,  for 
souring  the  food  intended  for  the  pigs.  One  tank,  which  is  much 
smaller  than  the  other,  is  used  chiefly  for  milk  and  meal  for  the  fatten- 
ing pigs,  and  sows  with  pigs  ;  and  the  other  for  the  wash  and  other 
refuse  from  the  house,  for  the  store  pigs,  which,  with  the  refuse  from 
the  garden,  apple-loft,  etc.,  amply  supplies  the  store  pigs  and  sows, 
without  any  purchased  food,  except  when  they  have  pigs  sucking. 
The  good  effect  of  the  fermentation  or  souring  is  accounted  for  by 
chemists,  who  have  found  that  it  ruptures  the  ultimate  particles  of  the 
meal  or  other  food  ;  a  subject  treated  in  detail  in  the  Quarterly  Jour- 
nal of  Agriculture,  vol.  vii.  p.  445.  According  to  the  doctrine  there 
laid  down,  the  globules  of  meal,  or  farinaceous  matter  of  the  roots  and 
seeds  of  plants,  lie  closely  compacted  together,  within  membranes  so 
exquisitely  thin  and  transparent  that  their  texture  is  scarcely  to  be 
discerned  with  the  most  powerful  microscope.  Each  farinaceous  par- 
ticle is,  therefore,  considered  as  enveloped  in  a  vesicle,  which  it  is 
necessary  to  burst,  in  order  to  allow  the  soluble  or  nutritious  part  to 
escape.  This  bursting  is  effected  by  boiling,  or  other  modes  of  cook- 
ery ;  and  also,  to  a  certain  extent,  by  the  stomach,  when  too  much  food 
is  not  taken  at  a  time  ;  but  it  is  also  effected  by  the  heat  and  decom- 
position produced  by  fermentation ;  and,  hence,  fermented  food,  like 
food  which  has  been  cooked,  is  more  easily  digested  than  uncooked  or 
unfermented  food.  Plants  are  nourished  by  the  ultimate  particles  of 
manure  in  the  same  way  that  animals  are  nourished  by  the  ultimate 
particles  of  food  ;  and  hence  fermentation  is  as  essential  to  the  dung- 
hill as  cookery  is  to  food.  The  young  gardener,  as  well  as  the  young 
farmer,  may  learn  from  this  the  vast  importance  of  fermentation,  in 
preparing  the  food  both  for  plants  and  animals. 

27,  Furnace  and  boiler,  for  boiling  dogs'  meat,  heating  pitch,  etc. ;  placed 
in  this  distant  and  concealed  spot  to  prevent  risk  from  fire  when  pitch 


APPENDIX.  469 

or  tar  is  boiled ;  and,  when  meat  is  boiled  for  dogs,  to  prevent  the 
smell  from  reaching  the  garden.  The  reason  why  it  is  found  necessa- 
ry to  have  a  boiler  for  tar  is,  that,  most  of  the  farm-buildings  and 
garden-offices  being  of  wood,  it  is  found  conducive  to  their  preservation 
occasionally  to  coat  them  with  tar  heated  to  its  boiling  point. 

28,  Open  shed  for  lumber. 

29,  Dog-kennel ;  adjoining  which  is  a  privy  for  the  under  gardeners. 

30,  Hay-barn.     31,  Lean-to  for  straw. 

32  32,  Places  for  loaded  hay-carts  to  unload,  or  to  remain  in  when  loaded 
during  the  night,  in  order  to  be  ready  to  cart  to  town  or  to  market 
early  in  the  morning. 

33,  House  for  lumber,  wood,  etc.     34,  Duck-house. 

35  35,  Houses  for  geese  and  turkeys. 

36,  Open  shed  for  carts  and  farm  implements. 

37,  Pond,  surrounded  by  rockwork  and  quince  trees. 

38,  House  for  a  spring-cart.    39,  Coal-house  for  Mr.  Pratt. 

40  40,  Places  for  young  chickens.    41,  Yard  to  chicken-houses. 

42.  Hatching-house  for  hens,  containing  boxes,  each  1  ft.  square  within, 
with  an  opening  in  front  7  in.  wide  and  7  in.  high,  the  top  being  arched, 
so  that  the  sides  of  the  opening  are  only  5  in.  high. 

43,  Lobby  to  Mr.  Pratt's  house.    44,  His  kitchen. 

45,  Living-room. 

46,  Oven,  opening  to  47. 

47,  Brewhouse,  bakehouse,  and  scullery,  containing  a  copper  for  brew- 
ing, another  for  the  dairy  utensils,  and  a  third  for  washing  besides  the 
oven  already  mentioned. 

48,  Dairy.  The  milk  dishes  are  of  white  earthenware ;  zinc  having 
been  tried,  but  having  been  found  not  to  throw  up  the  cream  so  speedily 
and  effectively  as  had  been  promised.  One  zinc  dish,  with  handles, 
is  used  for  clotted  cream,  which  is  regularly  made  during  the  whole  of 
the  fruit  season,  and  occasionally  for  dinner  parties,  for  preserved 
tarts,  etc.  We  observed  here  small  tin  cases  for  sending  eggs  and 
butter  to  town.  The  butter,  wrapped  in  leaves,  or  a  butter  cloth  is 
placed  in  the  bottom  of  a  tin  box  about  a  foot  square,  so  as  to  fill  the 
box  completely  ;  and  another  tin  box  is  placed  over  it,  the  inner  box 
resting  on  a  rebate,  to  prevent  its  crushing  the  butter  below  it.  In 
this  latter  box,  the  eggs  are  packed  in  bran,  after  which  the  cover  of 


470  APPENDIX. 

the  outer  one  is  put  on,  and  the  whole  may  then  be  sent  to  any  dis- 
tance by  coach.  The  dairy  is  supplied  with  water  from  a  pump  in 
the  scullery  ;  the  water  being  conveniently  distributed  in  both  places 
by  open  tubes  and  pipes. 

49,  Coachman's  living-room. 

50,  Coachman's  kitchen,  and  stairs  to  two  bedrooms  over. 

51,  Court  for  enclosing  the  coachman's  children. 

52,  Lobby  to  the  dairy.    .53,  Lobby  to  Mr.  Pratt's  brew-house. 

54,  Cellar.    55,  Chicken-yard. 

56,  Farmer's  yard. 

57,  A  gravelled  court  separating  the  coach-yard,  59,  from  the  stable- 
yard,  56. 

55,  Place  for  slaughtering  in.    59,  Stable-yard. 

60,  Shed  for  compost,  and  various  other  garden  materials  ;  such  as  a  tub 
for  liquid  manure,  in  which  it  ferments  and  forms  a  scum  on  the  top, 
while  the  liquid  is  drawn  off  below  by  a  faucet  with  a  screw  spigot, 
such  as  is  common  in  Derbyshire  and  other  parts  of  the  north,  which 
admits  the  water  to  come  out  through  the  under  side  of  the  faucet. 
Here  are  also  kept  paint  pots,  oil  cans,  boxes,  baskets,  and  a  variety 
of  other  matters.  The  whole  of  this  shed  is  kept  warm  by  the  heat 
which  escapes  from  the  fire-place  in  61,  and  from  the  back  of  the 
orchidaceous  house,  4. 

61,  Fire-place  and  boiler  for  heating  the  orchidaceous  house. 

62,  Place  for  arranging  garden  pots. 

63,  Shed,  with  roof  of  patent  slates,  which  becomes  a  cheap  mode  of  roof- 
ing in  consequence  of  requiring  so  few  rafters,  amply  lighted  from  the 
roof,  and  kept  warm  in  the  winter  time  by  the  heat  proceeding  from 
the  boilers  at  61  and  64.  This  shed  contains  a  potting-bench,  cistern 
of  water,  and  compartments  for  mould  ;  and,  being  lofty,  it  contains 
in  the  upper  part  two  apartments  enclosed  by  wirework,  for  curious 
foreign  pigeons  or  other  birds.  On  the  ground  are  set,  during  the 
winter  season,  the  large  agaves  and  other  succulent  plants  which  are 
then  in  a  dormant  state,  and  which  are  kept  in  the  open  garden  during 
summer.  On  the  whole,  this  is  an  exceedingly  convenient  working- 
shed  ;  being  central  to  the  houses  3,  4,  5,  and  6  ;  being  kept  comfort- 
ably warm  by  the  boilers  ;  being  well  lighted  from  the  roof;  and 
having  the  two  windows  indicated  at  62,  before  which  is  the  potting- 
bench. 


APPENDIX. 


471 


64,  Fire-place  to  the  conservatory  and  camellia-house. 

65,  Place  for  keeping  food  for  the  rabbits  and  pigeons,  with  stairs  to  the 
pigeon-house,  which  is  placed  over  it. 


[t  g    9      \  ew  1  um  t>e  Ch  nese  Tenj  le  1 

66,  Rabbit-house  containing  twenty-one  hutches,  each  of  which  is  a  cubic 
box  of  20  in.  on  the  side.  Each  box  is  in  two  divisions,  an  eating-place 
and  a  sleeping-place;  the  sleeping-place  is  8  in.  wide,  and  is  entered 
by  an  opening  in  the  back  part  of  the  partition.  Both  divisions  have 
an  outer  door  in  front ;  and,  in  order  that  the  door  ^of  the  sleeping- 
place  may  not  be  opened  by  any  stranger,  it  is  fastened  by  an  iron  pin, 
which  cannot  be  seen  or  touched  till  the  door  of  the  eating-place  is 
opened.  Mr.  Pratt  pointed  this  out  to  us  as  an  improvement  in  the 
construction  of  rabbit-hutches,  well  deserving  of  imitation  wherever 
there  is  any  chance  of  boys  or  idle  persons  getting  into  the  rabbit- 
house.  The  rabbits  are  fed  on  garden  vegetables  and  bran,  barley, 
oatmeal,  and  hay,  making  frequent  changes  ;  the  vegetables  being 
gathered  three  or  four  days  before  being  used,  and  laid  in  a  heap  to 
sweat,  in  order  to  deprive  them  of  a  portion  of  their  moisture.  Salt  is 
also  given  occasionally  with  the  bran.  Cleanliness,  and  frequent 
change  of  food,  have  now,  for  five  years,  kept  the  rabbits  in  constant 


472  APPENDIX. 

health.  It  ought  never  to  be  forgotten,  that  attention  to  the  above 
rules,  in  partially  drying  green  succulent  vegetables,  is  essential  to 
the  thriving  of  rabbits  kept  in  hutches  ;  and,  hence,  in  London  and 
other  large  towns,  instead  of  fresh  vegetables,  they  are  fed  with 
clover  hay.  One  of  the  kinds  of  rabbit  bred  at  Mr.  Harrison's  is  the 
hare  rabbit,  mentioned  in  the  Encyclopedia  of  Agriculture,  5  7355,  the 
flesh  of  which  resembles  that  of  the  hare,  in  quantity  and  flavour. 
Mr.  Pratt  has  fed  rabbits  here,  which,  when  killed,  weighed  11  lbs. 
We  can  testify  to  their  excellence  when  cooked. 
67,  Coach-house,  with  stairs  to  hay-loft.     63,  Stable. 

69,  Mill-house,  containing  mills  for  bruising  corn  for  poultry,  a  portable 
flour  mill,  a  lathe,  and  grinding-machine  for  sharpening  garden  instru- 
ments and  similar  articles.  In  the  Angel  Inn  in  Oxford,  some  years 
ago,  a  lathe  of  this  sort  was  used  for  cleaning  shoes,  the  brushes  being 
fixed  to  the  circumference  of  the  wheel,  and  the  shoes  apphed  to  them, 
while  the  wheel  was  turned  round  by  a  tread  lever,  or  treadle. 

70,  Root-house,  containing  bins  for  keeping  different  kinds  of  potatoes, 
carrots,  parsnips,  Jerusalem  artichokes,  beets,  and  yellow,  French,  and 
white  turnips,  with  shelves  for  onions  ;  and  a  loft  over,  which  is  used 
as  a  fruit  room.  The  fruit  is  kept  partly  on  shelves,  and  partly  on  cup- 
board trays. 

71,  Store  place  for  beer  or  ale,  which  is  brewed  by  Mr.  Pratt  for  the  use 
of  the  family  in  London,  as  well  as  Cheshunt ;  here  is  also  a  regular 
staircase  to  the  fruit-room. 

72,  Harness-room,  properly  fitted  up  with  every  convenience,  and  warmed 
by  a  stove. 

73,  A  lobby  or  court  to  a  door  which  opens  to  the  brook,  for  the  purpose 
of  clearing  out  an  excavation  made  in  the  bottom  of  the  channel,  in 
order  to  intercept  mud,  and  thus  render  the  water  quite  clear  where  it 
passes  along  the  pleasure-ground,  and  is  seen  from  the  library  win- 
dow and  the  grand  walk,  (Fig.  5,  p.  459.)  The  whole  of  any  mud 
which  may  collect  in  the  brook  may  be  wheeled  up  a  plank  through 
this  door,  without  dirtying  the  walk. 

74  74,  The  brook. 

75,  Foot  entrance  to  Mr.  Pratt's  house,  the  coachman's  house,  the  dairy, 
etc. 

76,  Carriage  entrance  to  the  stable-court,  garden  offices,  farm-yard,  etc. 


APPENDIX. 


473 


77,  Private  entrance  to  the  garden,  over  the  rustic  bridge  shown  in 
Fig.  5. 

78,  Masses  of  vitrified  bricks  and  blocks  of  stone,  distributed  among  lawn 
and  shrubs  ;  among  which,  large  plants  of  agave,  and  other  rock  exot- 
ics,  are  placed  in  the  summer  season.  The  pots  and  tubs  being  con- 
cealed  by  covering  them  with  the  stones  forming  the  masses  of  rock- 
work.  Here  the  semicircular  space  surrounded  by  rock  contains  a  col- 
lection of  Himalayan  rhododendrons,  etc.,  in  pots,  many  of  them  seed- 
lings which  have  not  yet  flowered. 

79  79,  American  shrubbery,  consisting  chiefly  of  rhododendrons,  azaleas 
magnolias,  etc.,  growing  in  peat  earth  kept  moist  by  the  brook. 

80,  American  garden  consisting  of  choice  American  shrubs,  and  Ameri- 
can herbaceous  plants.  In  the  centre  of  the  circle  a  handsome  tazza 
vase  on  a  bold  pedestal. 

81,  Two  semicircles  for  dahlias ;  the  surrounding  compartments  con- 
taining a  collection  of  roses. 

82,  Garden  of  florist's  flowers. 

83  83,  Garden  of  herbaceous  plants,  chiefly  annuals.    The  walks  in  all 


[Fig.    10.     L'lsiani  view  of  Ihe  House  ami  Teat,  across  ihe  Pond.] 

these  gardens  are  edged  with  slate.    The  bed  83t  contains  a  collection 
of  choice  standard  roses.     84,  Dahlias. 
85,   Double  ascent  of  the  steps  to  a  mound  formed  of  the  earth  removed 
in  excavating  for  the  pond.    From  the  platform  to  which  these  steps 

60 


474 


APPENDIX. 


lead,  there  is  a  circuitous  path  to  the  Chinese  temple  ;  and  the  steps  are 
ornameoted  with  Chinese  vases,  thus  affording  a  note  of  preparation 
for  the  Chinese  temple.  The  outer  sides  of  the  steps  are  formed  of 
rockwork,  and  between  the  two  stairs  is  a  pedestal  with  Chinese  or- 
naments. 

86,  The  Chinese  temple,  on  the  highest  part  of  the  mount  formed  of  the 
soil  taken  from  the  excavation  now  constituting  the  pond.  The  view 
from  the  interior  of  this  temple  is  shown  in  Fig.  9,  p.  471. 

87,  Rustic  steps  descending  from  the  Chinese  temple  to  the  walk  which 
borders  the  pond.    88,  The  pond. 

89,  Open  tent,  with  sheet-iron  roof  supported  by  iron  rods.  This  struc- 
ture may  be  seen  in  the  view  Fig.  10. 

90  90,  Masses  of  evergreens  and  deciduous  trees  and  shrubs. 

91,  Grotto,  made  late  last  year,  not  yet  completed.  It  was  formerly  an 
outer  ice-house,  but  it  failed  as  such.  The  entrance  is  surrounded  by 
rockwork,  and  the  interior  in  the  form  of  a  horseshoe,  furnished  with 
a  wooden  bench  as  a  seat.  Over  this  grotto,  is  an  unbrella  tent,  as 
shown  in  the  view  Fig.  11.    92,  Dahlias. 


[Fig.  11.    Grotto,  with  Umbrella  Tent  over.] 

93,  Slip  of  ground  for  compost,  and  various  other  materials  requisite  for 
the  garden  and  farm-yard;  communicating  with  the  frame-ground  by 
the  door  94,  with  the  farmyard  by  the  gate  95,  and  with  the  farm  by 
the"  gate  96. 


APPENDIX. 


475 


94,  Door  from  the  frame-ground  to  the  slip  behind. 

95,  Gate  from  the  slip  to  the  farmyard. 

96,  A  gate  from  the  slip  to  the  fields  of  the  farm. 

97,  Grass  field,  forming  part  of  the  farm. 

Fig.  13,  in  p.  476,  477,  is  a  vertical  profile  of  the  gardens  and  plea- 
sure-ground, with  the  farmyard,  and  a  small  portion  of  the  farm.  This 
view  shows  : — 

1,  The  house.  2,  The  domestic  offices  and  yard.  3,  Vinery  in  a  small 
garden. 

4,  Back  entrance  to  the  domestic  offices,  and  the  smaller  kitchen-garden* 
On  one  side  of  this  walk  is  placed  one  of  Fuller's  portable  ice-boxes. 

5,  The  smaller  kitchen-garden. 

6,  Broad  border  for  pits  ;  and  in  which  there  is  a  cold-pit  for  protect- 
ing vegetables  during  winter. 

7,  Boundary  plantation. 

8,  Angular  bricji  wall,  for  the  sake  of  having  different  aspects  for  the  fruit 
trees  which  are  trained  against  it ;  and  for  strength,  being  only  one 
brick  in  thickness  for  lessening  the  expense. 

9,  Pond  in  the  largest  kitchen-garden,  supplied  from  the  brook  by  pipes 
with  waste  pipe  to  the  pond  on  the  lawn. 

10,  Filbert  plantation. 

11,  Orchard  and  boundary  plantation. 


[Fig.  12.    Covered  Seat,  of  grotesque  and  rustic  Masonry.] 


12,  Covered  seat ;  of  which  a  view  is  shown  in  Fig.  12.    In  front  of  this 
seat  there  is  a  mulberry  tree  of  large  dimehsions,  which  was  trans- 


476 


APPENDIX. 


[Fig-  13.] 


APPENDIX. 


477 


[Pig.  13.  J 


478  APPENDIX. 

planted  by  Mr.  Harrison  when  it  was  upwards  of  80  years  of  age. 
The  instruments  with  which  a*  number  of  large  plants,  particularly 
shrubs,  were  transplanted  under  Mr.  Harrison's  directions,  when  the 
grounds  were  being  altered  and  enlarged,  were  described  for  us  by 
Mr.  Pratt.  (See  Gardener^s  Magazine,  vol.  xi.  p.  134)  Mr.  Pratt 
kept  for.many  years  large  plants  which  had  suffered  from  many  causes, 
or  which  were  not  immediately  wanted,  in  what  he  called  an  hospital 
for  these  purposes. 

13,  A  flower-garden,  in  which  for  several  years  a  large  AraucSiria  brasi- 
liensis  stood  out  in  the  centre  bed  ;  but  it  Was  killed  to  the  ground  in 
the  winter  of  1837-8 

14,  The  rustic  covered  seat,  shown  in  Fig.  14,  in  p.  479,  and  of  which 
Fig  15,  is  an  elevation  of  the  back ;  showing  the  manner  in  which  the 
barked  poles  are  arranged. 

15,  Basin  of  water  for  aquatics. 

16,  Rustic  building,  of  which  a  view  is  shown  in  Fig.  16.  In  the  inte- 
rior is  an  alto-relievo  of  statuary  marble,  representing  a  female  over  a 
funeral  vase,  surrounded  by  a  sort  of  broad  frame  of  corals,  cornua  Am- 
monis,  and  large  mineral  specimens  of  different  kinds. 

17,  Groups  of  roses,  dahlias,  and  other  ornamental  flowers. 

18,  Two  semicircular  beds  of  roses. 

19,  A  covered  double  seat,  one  half  looking  towards  the  roses,  and  the 
other  in  the  opposite  direction.  In  the  latter  are  kept  the  instruments 
for  playing  at  what  is  called  lawn  billiards,  which  is  said  to  be  a  game 
intermediate  between  bowls  and  common  billiards.  This  game  is  lit- 
tle known,  but  materials  for  playing  at  it  are  sold  by  Messrs.  Cato 
&  Son,  wire-workers,  Holborn  Hill,  London,  who  send  out  with  them 
the  following  printed  rules  : — 

"This  game,  which  differs  from  all  others,  should  be  played  on  a 
lawn  about  12  yards  square  ;  the  socket  with  the  ring  being  fixed  in 
the  centre  by  a  block  of  wood  fixed  into  the  earth.  It  may  be  played 
by  two  or  four  persons,  either  separately,  or  as  partners,  each  player 
having  a  ball  with  a  cue  pointed  to  correspond.  Care  must  be  taken 
to  fix  the  ring  at  the  end  of  the  cue  close  to  the  ball  before  striking." 

20,  The  pond.  On  the  margin  of  which,  at  it,  is  the  boat-house  seen  in 
Fig.  17,  in  p.  483. 

21,  Descending  steps  through  evergreens  ;  from  which  is  seen  the  distant 
view  of  the  house  and  the  tent,  as  in  Fig.  10,  in  p.  473. 


APPENDIX. 


479 


22,  Dahlia  plantation. 

23,  Chinese  temple  from  the  interior  of  which  is  obtained  the  view  shown 
in  Fig.  9,  in  p.  471.  Behind  the  temple,  a  little  to  one  side,  is  the 
grotto  shown  at  91  in  the  plan,  Fig.  6,  in  p.  462,  463  ;  and  also  in  the 
view.  Fig.  11,  in  p.  474. 

24,  The  situation  of  the  tent  shown  in  Fig.  10. 

25,  The  different  flower  and  shrub  gardens  described  in  detail  in  the  plan. 
Fig.  6,  p.  462,  463. 

26,  The  hot-houses,  pits,  frames,  farm  buildings,  &c.j  shown  in  Fig.  6. 

27,  Grass  fields,  forming  part  of  the  farm. 

23,  Point  from  which  the  view  of  the  hot-houses,  Fig.  8,  in  p.  466,  is 
taken;  and  also,  turning  round,  the  view  of  the  house,  Fig.  18,  in  p.  485. 

29,  Secret  entrance  to  the  grounds.    30,  Principal  entrance  to  the  house. 

31,  Entrance  to  the  stable-court  and  farmyard. 

Remarks. — In  pointing  out  the  principal  sources  of  the  professional 

instruction,  which  a  young  gardener  may  derive  from  examining  this 

place,  we  shall  first  direct  attention  to  the  garden  structures.     These, 


[Fig.   14.      Rustic  Covered  Seal,  of  Woodwork.] 


whether  of  the  ornamental  or  useful  kind,  are  executed  substantially, 
and  with  great  care  and  neatness;   while  the  farm  buildings,  being 


480 


APPENDIX. 


[Fig.  15.    EleratioD  of  the  Back.] 


chiefly  of  wood  show  how  great  an  extent  of  accommodation  may  he 
obtained  without  regularity  of  plan,  and  without  incurring  much  expense. 
A  good  exercise  for  the  young  designer  would  be  to  distribute  the 
same  accommodation,  properly  classed,  along  the  sides  of  a  square  or 


[Fig.  16.     Hermit's  Seat,  and  Clauical  Vau.] 


APPENDIX.  481 

squares,  or  along  the  sides  of  a  parallelogram  or  polygon,  and  either 
detached  from,  or  connected  with,  the  horticultural  buildings. 

The  manner  in  which  the  working-sheds  are  heated  by  the  waste  heat 
from  the  furnaces,  in  consequence  of  which,  in  severe  weather,  much 
more  work  will  be  done  in  them,  and  in  a  better  manner,  and  in  which 
they  are  lighted,  so  as  to  serve  for  protecting  certain  kinds  of  plants 
during  winter,  is  worthy  of  imitation  ;  as  is  the  mode  of  heating  so 
many  different  houses  from  only  three  boilers.  In  no  garden  structures 
have  we  seen  a  more  judicious  use  of  the  Penryhn  slate  ;  paths,  edgings, 
shelves,  cisterns,  boxes  for  plants,  copings,  kerbs,  partitions,  and  sub- 
stitutes for  dwarf  walls,  being  all  made  of  it.  The  order  and  neatness 
with  which  all  the  different  tools,  utensils,  &c.,  are  kept  in  the  horticul- 
tural and  farm  buildings,  are  most  exemplary,  and  greatly  facilitate  the 
despatch  of  business. 

In  the  farm  buildings,  the  fittings  up  of  the  poultry-houses,  the  rabbit- 
house,  and  the  dairy  and  dairy  scullery,  well  deserve  attention  ;  and  also 
the  arrangement  for  fermenting  the  food  of  the  pigs  in  under-ground  cis- 
terns, not  too  warm  for  summer,  nor  so  cold  as  to  check  fermentation  in 
winter.  The  manure  of  the  horses,  of  the  cows,  of  the  pigs,  of  the  rabbits 
of  the  pigeons,  and  of  the  poultry,  is  kept  in  separate  pits,  that  it  may 
be  used,  if  desirable,  in  making  up  different  composts. 

There  are  three  liquid-manure  tanks,  in  which  the  liquid  matter,  which 
in  most  farmyards  is  wasted,  is  fermented,  and  afterwards  mixed  up  with 
soil  for  use  in  the  kitchen-garden,  or  used  in  forming  composts  for  particu- 
lar plants.  The  liquid-manure  from  the  stables  is  kept  apart  from  that 
from  the  cow-house  ;  and  the  general  drainings  of  the  yard,  and  of  the 
frame-ground  in  the  kitchen-garden,  are  fermented  by  themselves.  The 
liquid  manure  with  which  Mr.  Pratt  waters  his  plants  is  formed  chiefly  of 
the  sweepings  of  the  pigeon,  rabbit,  and  cow  houses,  with  lime  ;  and  is 
kept  in  a  cask  in  a  close  shed,  (60  in  the  plan  Fig.  6,  in  p.  462,  463,)  so 
that  the  temperature  admits  of  its  fermenting  in  winter,  as  well  as  in 
eummer :  a  thick  scum  rises  to  the  top  of  the  cask,  and  the  liquid  is  drawn 
out  from  the  bottom  as  clear  as  old  ale.  The  plants  which  Mr.  Pratt  wa- 
ters with  this  liquid  are  chiefly  those  of  rapid  growth,  such  as  the  Datura, 
Brugmansta,  and  other  soft-wooded  tree  plants  which,  like  these,  are  cut 
in  every  year,  and  appear  to  profit  by  the  stimulating  effect  of  this  manure. 
He  gives  it  also,  occasionally,  to  various  other  plants  which  appear  to 

61 


482 


APPENDIX. 


want  vigour  ;  but  has  not  yet  had  sufficient  experience  of  its  effects,  to 
give  a  list  of  plants  to  which  it  ought  to  be  applied. 

In  order  to  produce  as  much  manure  as  possible,  as  well  for  the  farm  as 
for  the  garden,  all  leaves,  haulm,  and  waste  vegetable  matters,  are  care- 
fully collected,  and  fermented  by  the  addition  of  fresh  stable  dung  ;  and 
heaps  of  different  kinds  of  soils,  procured  from  different  parts  of  the  coun- 
try, are  constantly  kept  in  the  slip  adjoining  the  frame-ground,  ready  for 
use. 

The  grounds  being  nearly  level  are  readily  supplied  with  water  from 
the  ponds  and  from  the  brook  ;  and  there  are  concealed  wells,  communica- 
ting with  these  sources  by  pipes  from  the  brook,  in  different  parts  of  the 
grounds,  and  more  especially  in  the  kitchen-garden,  from  Which  the  plants 
can  be  abundantly  watered  in  the  growing  season  with  comparatively 
little  labour;  there  being  six  different  places,  including  the  ponds  and 
brook,  from  which  the  gardeners  take  water,  and  all  the  strawberries  are 
planted  close  to  the  wells  in  the  inner  and  outer  walled  gardens. 

The  kitchen-gardens,  the  hot-houses,  and  the  store-houses  and  some 
other  structures  can  be  locked  up  at  pleasure,  Mr.  Harrison  and  Mr.  Pratt 
being  the  only  persons  having  complete  master  keys.  Part  of  the  outer 
kitchen-garden  is  enclosed  with  an  open  iron  epike  fence,  5  ft.  6  in.  high, 
within  which  and  the  inner  walled  garden  are  the  strawberries  and 
choicest  gooseberries,  figs,  etc.,  and  these  enclosures  are  opened  only  by 
the  master  keys.  The  whole,  therefore,  of  the  wall  and  best  fruit  is 
secured  from  plunder. 

The  beauties  of  this  place,  as  has  been  already  mentioned,  depend 
chiefly  on  the  taste  and  judgment  displayed  in  laying  out  the  walks,  and 
distributing  the  trees  and  shrubs ;  though  the  choice  of  a  situation  for 
the  pond,  and  the  mount  adjoining  it,  is  also  a  matter  of  some  consequence. 

The  trees  and  shrubs,  being  comparatively  limited  in  number,  consist 
of  one  of  almost  every  kind  that  is  to  be  procured  in  British  nurseries, 
exclusive  of  those  which  are  common,  or  not  considered  ornamental.  In 
selecting  these,  the  more  rare  kinds  have  been  procured,  and  planted  quite 
young;  Mr.  Harrison  and  Mr.  Pratt  having  found,  by  experience,  that 
the  pines  and  firs  should  be  planted  out  when  not  more  than  of  three  or 
four  years'  growth.  When  the  plants  have  been  in  pots,  the  balls  should 
be  gently  broken  with  the  hand,  and  afterwards  all  the  earth  washed  away 
from  the  roots  by  the  application  of  water.    The  plant  may  then  be  placed 


APPENDIX. 


483 


[Fig,  17.     Boat  Houfie  and  Agave  Mount.] 


on  a  hill  of  prepared  mould,  and  the  roots  stretched  out,  so  as  to  radiate 
from  the  plant  in  every  direction,  and  afterwards  covered  with  mould. 

The  masses  of  trees  and  shrubs  are  chiefly  on  the  mount  near  the  lake, 
and  along  the  margin  which  shuts  out  the  kitchen-garden;  and  in  these 
places  they  are  planted  in  the  gardenesque  manner,  so  as  to  produce  ir- 
regular groups  of  trees,  with  masses  of  evergreen  and  deciduous  shrubs 
as  undergrowth,  intersected  by  glades  of  turf.  They  are  scattered  over 
the  general  surface  of  the  lawn,  so  as  to  produce  a  continually  varying 
effect,  as  viewed  from  the  walks  ;  and  so  as  to  disguise  the  boundary,  and 
prevent  the  eye  from  seeing  from  one  extremity  of  the  grounds  to  the 
other,  and  thus  ascertain  their  extent.  The  only  points  at  which  the 
lawn  is  seen  directly  across  from  the  drawing-room  window  are  in  the 
direction  of  Zand  m,  Fig.  13,  in  p.  476,  477;  but,  through  these  open- 
ings, the  grass  field  beyond  appears  united  with  the  lawn  ;  so  that  the 
extent  thus  given  to  the  views  from  the  drawing-room  windows  is  of  the 
greatest  assistance  to  the  character  of  the  place,  with  reference  to  extent. 
From  every  other  part  of  the  grounds,  the  views  across  the  lawn  are  in- 
terrupted by  some  tree,  bush,  or  object  which  conceals  the  boundary  ;  or, 
if  the  boundary  is  seen  on  one  side,  as  in  passing  along  the  walk  from  16 
by  18  to  22,  there  is  ample  space  on  the  lawn  side  to  keep  up  the  idea 
of  extent. 


4S4 


APPENDIX. 


In  many  situations,  this  walk,  as  seen  on  paper,  would  be  considered 
to  be  too  near  the  boundary  ;  but  in  the  grounds  the  narrow  plantation 
from  22  to  18  is  of  evergreens,  chiefly  hollies,  which  already  partially 
shut  out  all  view  of  the  boundary  or  the  field,  and  which  are  ultimately 
intended  to  spread  their  upper  branches  over  the  walk,  so  as  to  give  it  a 
character  of  shade  and  gloom,  different  from  any  other  in  these  grounds. 

In  general,  it  may  be  laid  down  as  a  rule,  that  the  boundary  between 
a  lawn  and  the  park  or  field  beyond  should  not  be  such  as  to  cut  the  land- 
scape, as  it  were,  in  two  ;  and  another  rule  is,  that  the  walks  should 
never  be  so  near  this  fence,  or  should  not  be  so  conducted  when  near  it, 
as  to  admit  of  the  spectator  looking  directly  across.  Indeed,  in  scenery, 
no  rule  is  generally  more  applicable  than  this,  viz.  that  all  straight  lines, 
whether  fences,  roads,  canals,  or  rivers,  and  all  regular  symmetrical  ob- 
jects, such  as  buildings,  should  be  looked  at  obliquely.  Applying  this 
rule,  therefore,  to  the  scenery  between  the  walk  and  the  fence,  from  18 
to  16,  we  should  say  that  either  the  direction  of  the  walk  ought  to  be  al- 
tered, so  as  to  remove  it  further  from  the  boundary,  or  the  boundary  ex- 
tended further  into  the  field  ;  and  instead  of  being  bordered  by  a  hedge- 
like fringe  of  shrubs,  it  should  only  be  broken  here  and  there  by  occa- 
sional bushes  and  trees,  connected  and  harmonizing  in  position  with 
other  trees  beyond  the  fence.  If  it  were  desirable  to  avoid  altering  the 
boundary,  then  we  should  recommend  continuing  the  walk  which  com- 
mences at  d  near  19,  by  n  and  o  o,  to  p  near  16.  If  there  were  nothing 
to  see  or  be  seen  beyond  the  boundary,  then,  unless  the  boundary  fence 
were  a  conservative  wall,  that  is,  a  wall  covered  with  half-hardy  orna- 
mental plants,  we  should  still  prefer  changing  the  direction  of  the  walk, 
so  as  to  take  away  from  the  monotonous  appearance  of  continually  skirt- 
ing the  boundary.  In  every  place,  however  small,  there  ought  to  be 
some  part  left  which  the  visiter  has  not  seen,  and  which  may  leave  the 
impression  on  his  mind,  that,  however  much  he  has  been  shown,  he  has 
not  seen  every  thing.  We  make  these  observations  with  great  deference 
to  Mr.  Harrison,  who  has  paid  much  attention  to  the  subject  of  Landscape 
Gardening,  and  shown  much  practical  taste  and  good  sense  both  in  that 
art  and  in  architncture. 

It  is  however,  right  to  state  that  Mr.  Harrison  accords  with  our  gene- 
ral view  of  the  subject,  but  "  defends  the  walk  in  question  as  an  excep- 
tion founded  on  Iiis  objects  in  making  it ;  which  were,  1st,  to  have  a 


APPENDIX. 


486 


walk  different  from  any  other  in  the  garden  ;  and  2d,  a  walk  sheltered  from 
the  winter  southerly  gales,  and  ornamented  by  the  bloom  of  the  laurus- 
tinus  at  that  season.  It  is,  therefore,  so  slightly  curved  as  merely  to 
avoid  a  straight  line  ;  and  permits  an  extent  of  length  not  found  in  any 
other  part  to  be  seen  on  descending  the  elevation  at  the  east  end,  or  on 
emerging  from  wood  at  the  west  end,  where,  when  the  improvements 
connected  with  it  are  finished,  it  will  enter  a  dense  plantation,  the  walk 
going  round  at  the  back  of  the  building  in  that  corner.  The  fence  would 
have  been  entirely  excluded  from  either  near  or  distant  view,  and  the 
eye  carried  so  as  not  to  catch  a  view  of  the  grounds  of  the  field  nearer 
than  one  hundred  yards  or  more  at  the  least,  if  the  laurustinuses  had  not 
suffered  so  severely  in  1837-38  ;  but  these  will,  by  next  year,  and  by 
trees  already  planted  along  the  border,  and  others  to  be  planted  irregu- 
larly, at  intervals,  in  the  field  near  the  fence,  in  a  great  measure,  Mr. 


[Kig.  18.    Garden  Front  of  Cheshunt  Cottage.] 

Harrison  thinks,  obviate  the  objection  made,  or,  at  least,  lessen  the  force 
of  it,  as  future  appearances  will,  he  thinks,  prove. — W.  H." 

The  trees  and  shrubs  on  the  lawn  are  almost  all  disposed  in  the  garden- 
esque  manner  ;  that  is,  so  that  each  individual  plant  may  assume  its 
natural  shape  and  habit  of  growth.  The  masses  are  also  chiefly  planted 
in  the  same  style  ;  and,  as  the  trees  and  shrubs  advance  in  growth,  they 
are  cut  in,  or  thinned  out ;  so  that  each  individual,  if  separated  from  the 


486  APPENDIX. 

mass  to  which  it  belongs,  and  considered  by  itself  alone,  shall  be  a 
handsome  plant.  Atthe  same  time,  in  order  to  produce  as  much  variety 
as  possible,  the  picturesque  style  of  planting,  in  which  trees  and  shrubs 
are  so  closely  grouped  together  as  partially  to  injure  each  other's  growth, 
occasionally  occurs,  fur  the  sake  of  producing  variety.  With  the  excep- 
tion of  the  pines  and  firs,  the  other  trees  have  been  selected  more  for 
their  picturesque  effect  and  variety  of  foliage,  than  for  their  botanical 
interest.  Among  these  are  the  Scotch  pine  for  its  darkness ;  the 
Pdpulus  angulata  for  its  large  leaves,  and  for  its  property  of  preserving 
these  till  destroyed  by  severe  frost,  long  before  which  all  the  other 
poplars  have  become  naked ;  the  A'cer  macrophyllum,  for  its  large 
leaves  ;  the  Montpelier  maple,  for  its  small  ones  ;  the  Negundo  fra.x\ni- 
f5lium,  for  its  green-barked  shoots  ;  the  American  oaks,  for  the  singular 
variety  in  form  and  colour  of  their  foliage  ;  the  catalpa,  for  its  broad  rich 
yellowish  leaves,  and  its  showy  blossoms,  which  appear  late  in  the 
season  ;  the  deciduous  cypress ;  the  bonduc,  or  Kentucky  coffee  tree  ; 
the  cut-leaved  alder;  the  tuilp  tree;  the  purple  beech;  the  purple 
hazel ;  the  Oriental  plane,  of  which  there  are  several  fine  specimens  ; 
the  variegated  sycamore,  and  other  variegated  trees  and  shrubs,  which 
are  always  so  beautiful  in  spring;  those  thorns  and  crabs  which  are 
beautiful  or  remarkable  for  their  blossoms  in  the  spring,  and  for  their 
fruit  in  autumn  ;  the  Nepal  sorbus,  so  interesting  for  its  large  woolly 
leaves,  which  die  off  of  a  fine  straw  colour;  the  magnolias;  the  rhodo- 
dendrons; the  heaths;  the  brooms;  and  the  double-blossomed  furze; 
besides  various  striking  or  popular  plants,  such  as  the  variegated  hollies, 
the  scarlet  arbutus,  etc.  Among  the  detached  trees  and  small  groups, 
there  is  scarcely  to  be  met  with  a  single  bush  or  tree  that  a  general 
observer  will  not  find  noticeable  for  something  in  its  foliage,  general 
form,  flowers,  or  fruit.  The  MagnbHa  grandifldra  var.  exonitnsis  flowers 
freely  as  a  standard  without  any  protection,  and  was  not  even  injured 
by  the  winter  of  1837-8  ;  nor  was  A'rbutus  procera,  also  unprotected. 
A  number  of  the  more  rare  trees  and  shrubs,  such  as  Araucaria  brasi- 
liensis,  which  had  stood  out  eight  years,  A.  Cunninghamii,  Pinus  insignis, 
P.  palustris,  P.  Girardidraa,  P.  canariensis,  etc.  were  killed  during  the 
winter  of  183-78 ;  and  a  number  of  others,  which  were  severely 
injured,  are  now  recovering.  Mr.  Pratt,  the  head  gardener,  did  not 
begin  to  prune  the  trees  which  were  injured  till  the  rising  of  the  sap 


APPENDIX.  487 

showed  the  extent  of  the  injury  that  they  had  received.  After  waiting 
till  the  middle  of  summer,  it  was  found  that  the  lauristinus,  sweet  bay, 
Chinese  privet,  and  various  other  shrubs,  were  alive  to  the  height  of 
from  3  ft.  to  5  ft. ;  and,  after  the  dead  wood  was  cut  out,  the  plants  soon 
became  covered  with  young  shoots  and  foliage. 

The  Walks  are  so  laid  out  and  planted  as  to  be  sheltered  or  bordered 
by  evergreens,  for  the  sake  of  their  lively  appearance  during  winter. 
They  are  also  so  contrived  as  to  be  shaded  from  the  sun  by  deciduous  trees 
during  summer ;  while  these  trees  being  naked  during  winter,  admit  the 
sun  at  that  season  to  dry  the  ground.  The  walks  are  laid  out  in  differ- 
ent directions,  in  order  that,  from  whatever  point  the  wind  may  blow,  at 
least  one  walk  will  be  sheltered  from  it.  The  greater  number  are  in  the 
direction  of  north  and  south  ;  because  walks  in  that  direction  are  best 
exposed  to  the  sun  in  the  winter  season,  which  is  the  period  of  the  year 
in  which  the  pmprietor  chiefly  resides  here.  It  is  always  desirable,  in 
a  small  place,  that  all  the  walks  should  be  concealed  from  the  windows, 
except  that  immediately  under  the  eye ;  and  that,  in  walking  through 
the  grounds,  no  path  should  be  seen  except  the  one  walked  on,  and 
that  (except  in  the  case  of  a  straight  avenue)  only  for  a  moderate  dis- 
tance. These  rules  (derived  from  the  principle  of  variety  and  intricacy) 
have  been  carefully  attended  to  by  Mr.  Harrison  ;  and  hence  the  walk 
from  a  to  b,  in  the  plan  Fig.  13,  in  p.  476,  477,  is  concealed  by  raising 
the  turf  on  the  side  next  the  house  higher  than  on  the  opposite  side ; 
while  that  from  c  to  d  is  concealed  by  the  bushes  and  trees  at  c,  and 
more  especially  by  a  large  rhododendron  at  ee.  The  walk  f  g  h  \s 
concealed  from  the  walk  i;  partly  by  a  swell  in  the  surface  of  the  turf 
on  the  side  next  i,  but  chiefly  by  the  bushes  whichare  scattered  along  its 
margin.  At  g,  there  is  a  clump  which  prevents  any  one  on  the  walk  i 
from  seeing  the  line  ^/;  and  any  one  on  the  walk  g-/ from  seeing  the 
line  i.  In  walking  along  from/ to  /i,  it  is  clear  that  the  trees  and  shrubs 
on  the  left  hand  will  always  prevent  the  eye  from  seeing  the  walk  to  any 
great  distance.  All  the  other  walks  through  the  lawn  are  concealed  in 
a  similar  manner  ;  so  that  a  person  walking  in  the  grounds  never  sees 
any  other  walk  than  that  which  lies  immediately  before  him  ;  and,  there- 
fore, in  looking  across  the  lawn,  he  never  can  discover  the  extent  either 
of  what  he  has  seen,  or  of  what  he  has  yet  to  see.  To  form  a  great  num- 
ber of  walks  of  this  sort,  and  lead  the  spectator  over  them  without 


488 


APPENDIX. 


showing  him  more  than  one  walk  at  a  time,  but  taking  care,  at  the  same 
time,  to  let  hira  have  frequent  and  extensive  views  across  the  lawn,  and 
these  views  always  diiFerent,  constitute  the  grand  secret  of  making  a 
small  place  look  large. 

The  walks  are  filled  to  the  brim  with  gravel,  kept  firmly  rolled,  and 
their  grass  margins  are  dipt,  but  never  cut ;  because  the  gravel,  being 
almost  as  high  as  the  turf,  the  latter  can  never  sink  down,  and  swell  out 
over  the  former.  This  it  invariably  does  when  the  turf  is  a  few  inches 
higher  than  the  gravel ;  and,  hence,  paring  off  the  part  of  the  turf  which 
had  projected  was  originally,  no  doubt,  adopted  only  as  a  remedy  for 
the  evil,  though  it  is  now  erroneously  practised  by  gardeners  as  an  evi- 
dence of  care  and  good  keeping.  As  much  of  the  beauty  of  the  walk 
depends  upon  the  beauty  of  its  boundary,  the  feeling  that  this  boundary 
is  likely  to  be  disturbed  every  time  the  walk  is  cleaned,  or  the  adjoining 
turf  mown,  is  extremely  disagreeable.  The  freshly  pared  turf  becomes 
a  spot  or  a  scar  in  the  scene,  withdrawing  the  attention  from  the  walk 


["Fig.  19.     View  acro^-s  the  Waler,  looliing  towards  the  Houie.] 


APPENDIX.  489 

itself,  and  from  the  adjoining  grounds,  to  a  point,  or  rather  a  line, 
which  is  in  itself  of  little  consequence,  but  which,  by  the  paring,  is 
obtruded  on  the  eye,  so  as  to  destroy  all  allusion  to  stability.  We  are 
displeased  with  the  paring  of  the  edges,  because  it  conveys  the  idea  that 
the  walks  are  not  finished,  or  that  they  are  liable  to  be  disturbed  in  this 
way  from  time  to  time ;  and  nothing,  either  in  grounds  or  in  buildings, 
is  more  unsatisfactory  than  an  apparent  want  of  stability  or  fixedness. 
It  is  as  much  the  nature  of  the  ground  to  be  fixed  and  immoveable,  as  it 
is  of  trees  and  shrubs  to  increase  in  growth  ;  and,  hence,  any  operation, 
such  as  clipping,  which  seems  to  stop  the  growth  of  the  one,  is  as  un- 
satisfactory to  the  eye  as  paring,  which  seems  to  derange  the  fixed  state 
of  the  other.  Would  that  we  could  impress  this  on  the  minds  of  all 
gardeners  and  their  employers  ! 

The  Pond  is  of  an  irregular  shape,  so  arranged  as  with  the  assistance 
of  the  island  to  prevent  the  whole  of  it,  and  consequently  its  limited 
extent,  from  being  seen  from  any  one  point  in  the  garden.  For  the  same 
reason,  the  walk  only  goes  along  one  side,  there  being  but  one  point  on  the 
western  side,  viz :  where  the  iron  seats  are  close  to  the  agaves,  from 
which  any  part  of  the  pond  can  be  seen.  The  pond  i?  so  situated  as  to 
form  the  main  feature  in  the  right-hand  view  from  the  drawing-room 
window,  as  shown  in  Fig.  3,  in  p.  417;  the  wooded  island,  (which  i« 
shown  rather  too  much  in  the  middle  in  the  plan,  though,  perhaps,  not  so 
in  reality,)  disguising  the  boundary  from  that  and  every  other  point  of 
view.  The  bank  of  the  pond  on  one  side  is  rocky,  and  nearly  perpen- 
dicular ;  while  on  the  other  it  is  sloping,  and  partly  "covered  with  shrubs. 
At  k  in  Fig.  13,  in  p.  477,  there  is  a  boat-house,  on  the  top  of  which  are 
several  large  agaves,  the  common,  the  variegated,  and  Agave  plicatilis  ; 
the  tubs  containing  which  are  so  disguised  by  rockvvork,  as  to  create  an 
allusion  to  the  appearance  of  these  plants  in  their  native  hab'tats".  The 
appearance  of  these  agaves,  and  also  of  a  large  crassula,  is  indicated  in 
a  view  of  the  boat-house.  Fig.  17,  in  p.  483  ;  and  it  is  only  from  a  seat 
among  these  agaves  that  any  part  of  the  pond  can  be  seen  from  this  side 
of  it.  Had  a  walk  been  conducted  completely  round  the  pond,  and  near 
its  margin,  the  charm  of  partial  concealment  would  have  been  entirely 
lost.  The  high  banks  have  been  formed  with  earth  taken  out  of  the  pond, 
and  these  have  given  occasion  to  a  considerable  variety  intheinclination, 
as  well  as  in  the  direction,  of  the  walks.    The  banks  are  planted  on  the 

02 


490  APPENDIX. 

same  principle  as  the  open  lawn ;  that  is,  with  trees  and  shrubs  having 
striking  foliage  or  showy  flowers,  and  with  a  judicious  mixture  of  ever- 
greens to  give  the  effect  of  cheerfulness  in  winter.  In  the  water  are 
two  large  plants  of  Calla  sethibpica  Lin.,  which  cover  a  space  of  nearly 
5  ft.  in  diameter ;  they  have  lived  there  through  ten  winters  without  any 
protection,  the  water  being  5  ft.  deep  ;  and  they  flower  luxuriantly  every 
year.  The  views  across  the  water,  to  the  house  and  to  the  other  parts  of 
the  grounds,  are  singularly  varied,  owing  to  the  winding  direction  of  the 
walk,  and  the  consequently  changing  position  of  the  island,  and  of  the 
trees  in  the  foreground  and  middle  distance.  One  of  these  views  may  be 
seen  in  Fig.  19,  and  others  have  been  already  given  in  p.  455, 471, 473, 
483. 

The  Flower- Garden  (25,  in  Fig.  13,  in  p.  476,  477,)  is  laid  out,  as  the 
ground  plan  indicates,  in  beds,  everywhere  bordered  with  slate  :  a  flower- 
garden  of  this  kind,  with  the  walks  gravelled,  having  the  advantage  of 
rendering  the  flowers  accessible  to  ladies  immediately  after  rain,  when 
they  are  often  in  their  greatest  beauty,  and,  at  all  events,  in  their  great- 
est freshness  and  vigour  ;  an  advantage  which  is  not  obtained  when  the 
beds  are  on  turf.  There  are  also  flower-beds  on  turf  in  other  parts  of 
the  grounds  :  but  these  are  filled  with  roses,  dahlias,  and  other  large- 
growing  plants  in  masses,  the  beauties  of  which  do  not  require  to  be 
closely  examined. 


III. 

Note  on  the  treatment  of  Lawns. 

As  a  lawn  is  the  ground  work  of  a  landscape  garden,  and  as  the  man- 
agement of  a  dressed  grass  surface  is  still  a  somewhat  ill-understood  sub- 
ject with  us,  some  of  our  readers  will,  perhaps,  be  glad  to  receive  a  very 
few  hints  on  this  subject. 

The  unrivalled  beauty  of  the  "  velvet  lawns"  of  England  has  passed 
into  a  proverb.  This  is  undoubtedly  owing,  in  some  measure,  to  their 
superior  care  and  keeping,  but  mainly  to  the  highly  favourable  climate  of 
that  moist  and  sea-girt  land.  In  a  very  dry  climate  it  is  nearly  impos- 
sible to  preserve  that  emerald  freshness  in  a  grass  surface,  that  be- 
longs only  to  a  country  of  "  weeping  skies."    During  all  the  present  sea- 


APPENDIX.  401 

son,  on  the  Hudson,  where  we  write,  the  constant  succession  of  showers 
has  given  us,  even  in  the  heat  of  mid-summer,  a  softness  and  verdure 
of  lawn  that  can  scarcely  be  surpassed  in  any  climate  or  country. 

Our  climate,  however,  is  in  the  middle  states  one  of  too  much  heat 
and  brilliancy  of  sun,  to  allow  us  to  keep  our  lawns  in  the  best  condi- 
tion without  considerable  care.  Beautifully  verdant  in  spring  and  autumn, 
they  are  often  liable  to  suffer  from  drought  in  midsummer.  On  sandy 
soils,  this  is  especially  the  case,  while  on  strong  loamy  soils  a  consider- 
able drought  will  be  endured  without  injury  to  the  good  appearence  of 
the  grass.  It  therefore  is  a  suggestion  worthy  of  the  attention  of  the 
lover  of  a  fine  lawn,  who  is  looking  about  for  a  country  residence,  to  care- 
fully avoid  one  where  the  soil  is  sandy.  The  only  remedy  in  such  a  soil 
is  a  tedious  and  expensive  one,  that  of  constant  and  plentiful  top-dressing 
with  a  compost  of  manure  and  heavy  soil — marsh  mud — swamp  muck,  or 
the  like.  Should  it  fortunately  be  the  case  (which  is  very  rare,)  that 
the  sub-stratum  is  loamy,  deep  ploughing,  or  trenching,  by  bringing  up 
and  mixing  with  the  light  surface  soil  some  of  the  heavier  earth  from 
below,  will  speedily  tend  to  remedy  the  evil. 

In  almost  all  cases  where  the  soil  is  of  good  strength,  a  permanent 
lawn  may  be  secured  by  preparing  the  soil  deeply  before  finally  laying 
it  down.  This  may  be  done  readily,  at  but  little  outlay,  by  deep  ■plough- 
ing— a  good  and  cheap  substitute  for  trenching — that  is  to  say,  making 
the  plough  follow  three  times  in  the  same  furrow.  This,  with  manure, 
if  necessary,  will  secure  a  depth  of  soil  sufficient  to  allow  the  roots  of 
plants  to  strike  below  the  effects  of  a  surface  drought. 

In  sowing  a  lawn,  the  best  mixture  of  grasses  that  we  can  recommend 
for  this  climate,  is  a  mixture  of  Red-top  and  white  Clover — two  natural 
grasses  found  by  almost  every  road  side — in  the  proportion  of  three  fourths 
of  the  former,  to  one  of  the  latter. 

There  is  a  common  and  very  absurd  notion  current,  (which  we  have 
several  times  practically  disproved,)  that,  in  order  to  lay  down  a  lawn 
well,  it  is  better  to  sow  the  seed  along  with  that  of  some  grain  ;  thus, 
starving  the  growth  of  a  small  plant  by  forcing  it  to  grow  with  a  larger 
and  coarser  one  !  A  whole  year  is  always  lost  by  this  process — indeed 
more  frequently  two.  Many  trials  have  convinced  us,  that  the  proper 
mode  is  to  sow  a  heavy  crop  of  grass  at  once,  and  we  advise  him  who  de- 
sires to  have  speedily  a  handsome  turf,  to  follow  the  English  practice, 


492  APPENDIX. 

and  sow  from  three  to  four  bushels  of  seed  to  the  acre.  If  this  is  done  early 
in  the  spring,  he  will  have  a  lawn-like  surface  by  mid-summer,  and  a  fine 
close  turf  the  next  season. 

After  this,  the  whole  beauty  of  a  lawn  depends  on  frequent  mowing. 
Once  a  fortnight  at  the  furthest,  is  the  rule  for  all  portions  of  the  lawn 
in  the  neighborhood  of  the  house,  or  near  the  principal  walks.  A  longer 
growth  than  this,  will  only  leave  yellow  and  coarser  stubble  after  mow- 
ing, instead  of  a  soft  velvet  surface.  A  broad-bladed  English  scythe,  (to 
be  had  at  the  shops  of  the  seedsmen,)  set  nearly  parallel  to  the  surface, 
is  the  instrument  for  the  purpose,  and  with  it  a  clever  mower  will  be  able 
to  shave  within  half  an  inch  of  the  ground,  without  leaving  any  marks. 
To  free  the  surface  from  worm  casts,  etc.,  it  is  a  common  practice  to  roll 
the  previous  evening  as  much  as  may  be  mown  the  next  day. 

As  the  neatness  of  a  well  kept  lawn  depends  mainly  upon  the  manner 
in  which  it  is  mown,  and  as  this  again  can  only  be  well  done  where 
there  are  no  inequalities  in  the  ground,  it  follows  that  the  surface  should 
be  kept  as  smooth  as  possible.  Before  sowing  a  lawn,  too  much  pains 
cannot  be  taken  to  render  its  surface  smooth  and  even.  After  this,  in  the 
spring,  before  the  grass  starts,  it  should  be  examined  and  all  little  holes 
and  irregularities  filled  up,  and  the  same  should  be  looked  over  at  any 
annual  top-dressing  that  may  take  place.  The  occasional  use  of  a  heavy 
roller,  after  rain,  will  also  greatly  tend  to  remedy  all  defects  of  this 
nature. 

Where  a  piece  of  land  is  long  kept  in  lawn  it  must  have  an  occasional 
top-dressing — every  two  or  three  years,  if  the  soil  is  rich,  or  every 
season,  if  it  is  poor.  As  early  as  possible  in  the  spring  is  the  best 
time  to  apply  such  a  top-dressing,  which  may  be  a  compost  of  any 
decayed  vegetable  or  animal  matter — heavier  and  more  abounding  with 
marsh  mud,  etc.,  just  in  proportion  to  the  natural  lightness  of  the  soil. 
Indeed  almost  every  season  the  lawn  should  be  looked  over,  all  weeds 
taken  out,  and  any  poor  or  impoverished  spots  plentifully  top-dressed, 
and,  if  necessary,  sprinkled  with  a  little  fresh  seed.  Wood  ashes,  either 
fresh  or  leached,  is  also  one  of  the  most  efHcient  fertilizers  of  a  lawn. 

We  can  already,  especially  in  the  finer  places  on  the  Hudson,  and 
about  Boston,  boast  of  many  finely  kept  lawns,  and  we  hope  every  day, 
as  the  better  class  of  country  residences  increases,  to  see  this  indis- 
pensable feature  in  tasteful  grounds  becoming  better  understood  and 
more  universal. 


APPENDIX,  493 

IV. 

Note  on  professional  quackery. 

Landscape  Gardening,  like  all  other  arts,  is  not  free  from  ignorant 
pretenders  to  knowledge,  who,  without  a  spark  of  appreciation  for  the 
beautiful  in  nature,  boldly  undertake  to  remodel,  in  what  they  con- 
sider a  tasteful  and  fashionable  style,  every  piece  of  natural  landscape, 
whether  of  a  simple  or  highly  picturesque  character.  They  succeed 
in  leaving  behind  them,  on  the  places  they  attempt  to  improve,  indubitable 
marks  of  their  footsteps  in  a  sort  of  laboured  ease,  and  stiff  striving 
after  grace,  but  they  are  pretty  certain,  also,  to  mar,  or  obliterate  in  a 
great  degree  the  natural  charm  of  any  fine  situation.  We  have  seen 
one  or  two  examples  lately  where  a  foreign  soi-disant  landscape  gardener 
has  completely  spoiled  the  simply  grand  beauty  of  a  fine  river  residence, 
by  cutting  up  the  breadth  of  a  fine  lawn  with  a  ridiculous  effort  at 
what  he  considered  a  very  charming  arrangement  of  walks  and  groups 
of  trees.  In  this  case  he  only  followed  a  mode  sufficiently  common 
and  appropriate  in  a  level  inland  country,  like  that  of  Germany,  from 
whence  he  introduced  it,  but  entirely  out  of  keeping  with  the  bold  and 
lake-like  features  of  the  landscape  which  he  thus  made  discordant. 

One  of  this  kind  of  improvers  was,  some  years  ago,  very  cleverly 
satirized  by  Mr.  Peacock,  an  English  reviewer  of  celebrity,  in  a  comic 
work  entitled  "Headlong  Hall."  The  latter  is  the  name  of  the  sup- 
posed seat  of  Lord  Littlebrain,  who  has  assembled  around  him  during  the 
Christmas  feastings  an  odd  party,  among  whom  is  Mr.  Milestone,  the 
landscape  gardener,  evidently  a  portrait  of  "  Capability  Brown."  Mr. 
Milestone  has  been  examining  the  estate,  and,  full  of  his  projected  park, 
is  exhibiting  his  portfolio  of  drawings  of  the  proposed  improvements,  to 
his  host  and  some  of  the  guests. 

"  Mr.  Milestone. — This,  you  perceive,  is  the  natural  state  of  one 
part  of  the  grounds.  Here  is  a  wood,  never  yet  touched  by  the  finger 
of  taste  ;  thick,  intricate,  and  gloomy.  Here  is  a  little  stream,  dashing 
from  stone  to  stone,  and  overshadowed  with  these  untrimmed  boughs. 

Miss  Tenorina. — The  sweet  romantic  spot !  How  beautifully  the 
birds  must  sing  there  on  a  summer  evening  ! 

Miss  Graziosa. — Dear  sister !  how  can  you  endure  the  horrid  thicket  ? 


494  APPENDIX. 

Mr.  Milestone. — You  are  right,  Miss  Graziosa :  your  taste  is  correct 
perfectly  en  regie.  Now,  here  is  the  same  place  corrected — trimmed — 
polished — decorated — adorned.  Here  sweeps  a  plantation,  in  that  beau- 
tiful regular  curve :  there  winds  a  gravel  walk :  here  are  parts  of  the 
old  wood,  left  in  these  majestic  circular  clumps  disposed  at  equal  distan- 
ces with  wonderful  symmetry  :  there  are  some  single  shrubs  scattered  in 
elegant  profusion;  here  a  Portugal  laurel,  there  a  juniper;  here  a  lau- 
ristinus,  there  a  spruce  fir  ;  here  a  larch,  there  a  lilac ;  here  a  rhododen- 
dron, there  an  arbutus.  The  stream,  you  see,  is  become  a  canal :  the 
banks  are  perfectly  smooth  and  green,  sloping  to  the  water's  edge  ;  and 
there  is  Lord  Littlebrain,  rowing  in  an  elegant  boat. 

Squire  Headlong — Magical,  faith! 

Mr.  Milestone. — Here  is  another  part  of  the  grounds  in  its  natural 
state.  Here  is  a  large  rock,  with  the  mountain-ash  rooted  in  its  fissures, 
overgrown,  as  you  see,  with  ivy  and  moss  ;  and  from  this  part  of  it  bursts 
a  little  fountain,  that  runs  bubbling  down  its  rugged  sides. 

Miss  Tenorina. — O  how  beautiful !  How  I  should  love  the  melody 
of  that  miniature  cascade  ! 

Mr.  Milestone. — Beautiful,  Miss  Tenorina  !  Hideous.  Base,  com- 
mon, and  popular.  Such  a  thing  as  you  may  see  anywhere,  in  wild  and 
mountainous  districts.  Now,  observe  the  metamorphosis.  Here  is  the 
same  rock,  cut  into  the  shape  of  a  giant.  In  one  hand  he  holds  a  horn, 
through  which  the  little  fountain  is  thrown  to  a  prodigious  elevation.  In 
the  other  is  a  ponderous  stone,  so  exactly  balanced  as  to  be  apparently 
ready  to  fall  on  the  head  of  any  person  who  may  happen  to  be  beneath  :* 
and  there  is  Lord  Littlebrain  walking  under  it. 

Squire  Headlong. — Miraculous,  by  Mahomet ! 

Mr.  Milestone. — This  is  the  summit  of  a  hill,  covered,  as  you  per- 
ceive, with  wood,  and  with  those  mossy  stones  scattered  at  random  under 
the  trees. 

Miss  Tenorina. — What  a  delightful  spot  to  read  in,  on  a  summer's 
day  !  The  air  must  be  so  pure,  and  the  wind  must  sound  so  divinely 
in  the  tops  of  those  old  pines  ! 

Mr.  Milestone. — Bad  taste.  Miss  Tenorina.  Bad  taste,  I  assure 
you.  Here  is  the  spot  improved.  The  trees  are  cut  down :  the  stones 
are  cleared  away :  this  is  an  octagonal  pavilion,  exactly  on  the  centre  of 

*  See  Knight  on  Taste. 


APPENDIX.  495 

the  summit :  and  there  you  see  Lord  Littlebrain,  on  the  top  of  the  pavi- 
lion, enjoying  the  prospect  with  a  telescope. 

Squire  Headlong. — Glorious,  egad  ! 

Mr.  Milestone.— Here  is  a  rugged  mountainous  road,  leading  through 
impervious  shades  :  the  ass  and  the  four  goats  characterize  a  wild  un- 
cultured scene.  Here,  as  you  perceive,  it  is  totally  changed  into  a  beau- 
tiful gravel-road,  gracefully  curving  through  a  belt  of  limes  ;  and  there 
is  Lord  Littlebrain  driving  four-in-hand. 

Squire  Headlong. — Egregious,  by  Jupiter ! 

Mr.  Milestone. — Here  is  Littlebrain  Castle,  a  Gothic,  moss-grown 
structure,  half-blossomed  in  trees.  Near  the  casement  of  that  turret  is 
an  owl  peeping  from  the  ivy. 

Squire  Headlong. — And  devilish  wise  he  looks. 

Mr.  Milestone. — Here  is  the  new  house,  without  a  tree  near  it, 
standing  in  the  midst  of  an  undulating  lawn  :  a  white,  polished,  angular 
building,  reflected  to  a  nicety  in  this  waveless  lake  :  and  there  you  see 
Lord  Littlebrain  looking  out  of  the  window." 


V. 

Note  on  Walks  and  Roads. 

In  our  remarks  on  walks  and  roads  we  omitted  to  say  any  thing  of  the 
best  manner  of  making  gravel  walks.  We  may  here  state  that,  where 
it  can  easily  be  procured,  pure  pit  gravel  is  preferable  to  all  other 
materials  for  this  purpose,  as  it  binds  almost  at  once,  and  becomes  a 
firm  and  solid  mass  nearly  as  hard  as  a  stone  floor.  Beach  gravel, 
not  having  an}'^  mixture  of  loamy  particles,  does  not  become  hard 
until  after  a  good  deal  of  rolling,  and  a  little  loam  is  often  mixed  with 
it  to  secure  its  tenacity  and  firmness.  A  very  thin  coat  of  gravel  will 
render  a  walk  superior  to  a  path  which  consists  only  of  the  natural  soil, 
and  such  surfacing,  in  our  dry  climate,  (though  it  frequently  requires 
renewing)  is  often  sufficient  for  distant  walks,  or  those  little  used  except 
in  fine  weather.  But  the  approach  road,  and  all  walks  immediately 
about  the  dwelling  should  be  laid  at  least  a  foot  thick  with  gravel,  to 
insure  dryness,  and  a  firm  footing  at  all  times  and  seasons.  The  lower 
six  inches  is  better  executed  when  filled  with  small  stones— placing  the 


496 


APPENDIX. 


six  inches  of  gravel  on  the  top  6f  these  ;  and  there  are  few  new  places 
where  this  is  not  a  convenient  mode  of  getting  rid  of  the  small  stones, 
that  require  to  be  taken  out  Of  the  gardens,  and  various  parts  of  the 
premises  undergoing  improvement. 

A  word  may  be  said  here  with  regard  to  the  colour  of  gravel.  Un- 
doubtedly in  almost  all  examples  in  the  natural  style  of  landscape 
gardening  slate-coloured  gravel,  the  kind  common  in  nearly  all  parts  of 
the  country,  is  much  the  most  agreeable  to  the  eye,  being  unobtrusive, 
just  differing  sufficiently  with  the  soil  to  be  readily  recognized  as  artisti- 
cal  in  its  effect,  while  it  harmonizes  with  the  colour  of  the  ground,  and 
the  soft  tints  of  vegetation.  A  thirst  after  something  new  has  induced 
some  persons,  even  in  the  interiour,  to  substitute,  at  considerable  cost, 
the  white  gravel  of  the  sea-shore  for  the  common  pit  or  beach  gravel. 
The  change,  we  think,  is,  in  point  of  taste,  not  a  happy  one.  The  strong 
white  of  this  gravel,  as  the  painters  would  say,  disturbs  the  tone  of  a 
simply  beautiful  landscape,  whose  prevailing  tints  are  those  of  the  broad 
lawn  and  rich  overshadowing  trees,  and  the  glare  of  these  snowy  white 
pebbles  is  not,  we  confess,  so  pleasing  in  our  eyes  as  the  cooler  and  more 
quite  colour  of  the  slate  or  gray  gravel.  When  we  add  to  this,  that 
these  sea-side  pebbles,  seldom  or  never  pack  or  become  firm,  it  would 
appear  very  evident  that  they  are  far  less  suitable  for  walks  than  the 
common  material.  The  only  situation  where  this  brilliant  gravel  seems  to 
us  perfectly  in  keeping,  is  in  the  highly  artificial  garden  of  the  ancient  or 
geometric  style,  or  in  the  symmetrical  terrace  flower  garden  adjoining 
the  house.  In  these  instances  its  striking  appearance  is  in  excellent 
keeping  with  the  expression  of  all  the  surrounding  objects,  and  it  renders 
more  forcible  and  striking  the  highly  artificial  and  artistical  character  of 
the  scene  ;  and  to  such  situations  we  would  gladly  see  its  use  limited. 

The  labour  and  expense  of  keeping  the  roads  and  walks  clean,  and 
free  from  weeds,  in  a  place  of  large  extent,  (and  some  of  our  seats  have 
now  several  miles  of  private  roads  and  walks  within  their  own  limits,) 
is  a  very  considerable  item  of  the  annual  outlay  of  a  country  residence. 
At  a  recent  visit  to  Blithewood,  we  saw  in  operation  there  a  very  simple 
implement,  invented  by  R.  Donaldson,  Esq.,  the  intelligent  proprietor  of 
that  beautiful  place,  which  promises  to  be  of  important  service  as  a 
labour-saving  machine  in  cleaning  roads  and  walks.  In  Fig.  20  is 
shown  a  sketch  of  this  implement,  in  use.    In  general  appearance  it  is 


APPENDIX. 


497 


not  unlike  the  frame  of  a  wheelbarrow,  except  that  instead  of  the  two 
legs  it  has  two  iron  bars,  reaching  down  to  the  earth,  and  connecting 
with  a  transverse  blade,  about  three  inches  wide,  which  is  set  nearly 
parallel  with  the  ground.  The  handles  of  the  implement  are  held  by  a 
workman,  like  those  of  the  common  double-tailed  plough,  while  the  horse 
which  draws  it  is  led  or  ridden  by  a  boy.  With  this  implement,  which 
is  three  and  a  half  feet  wide,  all  the  weeds  in  the  space  it  covers  are 
cleared  from  a  road  or  walk  as  rapidly  as  the  horse  can  walk  forward  ; 
and  it  is  only  necessary  to  follow  with  a  rake  and  remove  the  weeds, 
and  the  whole  is  in  good  order. 

On  the  lower  portion  of  the  upright  bars,  where  they  rise  from  the 
blade,  there  is  an  edge  for  cutting  the  turf  on  the  sides  of  the  walk, 
which  performs  its  work  very  well  and  rapidly — the  horse  being  care- 
fully led  ;  and  it  will,  no  doubt,  answer  perfectly  for  this  purpose,  in  all 
those  walks  and  roads  not  directly  around  the  house,  or  where  the  great- 
est nicety  is  not  required. 

_  _       _   The    simplicity  of 

this  machine,  the  very 
small  cost  at  which 
it  is  made,  and  the 
great  saving  of  ex- 
pense and  labour 
which  itsecurss,  will, 
we  think,  ren;'?r  it  a 
valuable  acquisition 
to  all  owners  of  large 
places,   or    to    those 

[F.g.  20.    ImijlLinent  m  iib.  at  Elithew__J  foi  dealing  grave    i   nds]        Wlsh'Hg  tO   keep  Up  a 

long  series  of  private  roads  and  walks  in  the  picturesque  manner.  For 
smaller  gardens  and  grounds,  where  the  most  scrupulous  nicety  is  ob- 
served, there  is,  of  course,  nulhinq-  tha^  will  piiPOTFcdo  the  common  hoe, 
rake,  and  roller. 


THE     END. 


63 


D.  H.  HILL  LIBRARY 

North  Carolina  State  College 


